Hyderabad to host theatre legends at Qadir Ali Baig Festival 2026

Hyderabad: The Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival, one of South India’s most celebrated theatre assemblies, is set to return to Hyderabad for its 21st edition from November 12 to 20. Over the past two decades, the festival has brought some of the world’s most distinguished theatre personalities to India, establishing itself as a significant platform for stage and screen artists, celebrated productions and cultural exchange.

This year’s edition will feature renowned names and stalwarts from theatre and cinema, including Rakesh Bedi, Raghubir Yadav, Shrivardhan Trivedi, Jabbar Patel, Mohan Agashe, Deepti Naval, Goutam Ghose, Divya Seth and Roshini Achreja, along with the French Embassy group.

The festival will also showcase works associated with late actors Nana Patekar and Smita Patil.

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Curated by celebrated theatre personality and Padma Shri awardee Mohammad Ali Baig, the festival has grown into a major cultural fixture in Hyderabad. Baig has curated and designed the 10-day event over the past two decades, maintaining its momentum even during the two years of the pandemic.

Celebrating theatre legends through iconic works

The 21st edition will bring together celebrated performances and cinematic works that pay tribute to some of India’s most respected artists.

Rakesh Bedi will perform Vijay Tendulkar’s classic play Massage, while Raghubir Yadav will feature in Piano, an adaptation of Ferenc Karinthy’s play Steinway Grand. Yadav is also known for his association with three Oscar-nominated films.

Filmmaker Goutam Ghose’s Yatra, featuring Rekha and Deepti Naval, will be presented as a tribute to the late Nana Patekar. Meanwhile, Jabbar Patel will showcase Smita Patil’s work through the Marathi award-winning film Jait Re Jait, which also features Mohan Agashe.

The festival is also a tribute to Hindustani theatre doyen Qadir Ali Baig, whose legacy continues to inspire the event and its participating artists.

Master classes and workshops for theatre enthusiasts

Beyond performances, the festival will offer opportunities for aspiring artists, students and theatre enthusiasts to learn from established names in the industry.

Master classes by Jabbar Patel, Goutam Ghose and Raghubir Yadav will form part of the programme. Workshops will include Language of Light, conducted by Daulat Vaid with Raghav Prakash Mishra and Divyang Shrivastava, and Theatre for Children, led by Ranjana Srivastava.

The festival’s contribution to India’s theatre landscape has been acknowledged by several prominent personalities. Theatre and cinema veteran Sai Paranjpye once described it as a living repository of the country’s theatrical heritage, saying, “If there’s a living museum in India, it’s the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival”.

Another distinctive feature of the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival is its association with Hyderabad’s historic venues. Despite being the country’s longest privately run theatre festival without its own venue, it has continued to stage performances at some of the city’s most prominent heritage locations.

Over the years, these have included Taramati Baradari, Falaknuma Palace, Golconda Fort, Salar Jung Museum and Chowmahalla Palace. The combination of theatre, heritage and traditional Hyderabadi hospitality has become an integral part of the festival’s identity.

Performances are followed by the traditional Hyderabadi Chowki Dinner at the Baig family’s haveli, bringing together art, cuisine and heritage in a distinctive cultural experience.

The festival’s standing in the theatre community is reflected in the words of several celebrated personalities who have been associated with it.

Actor Naseeruddin Shah said, “I come here to pay my tribute to the late Qadir Ali Baig Sahab. This Festival reiterates the need for basics of theatre in the country.”

Actress and singer Ila Arun said, “Late Qadir Ali Baig Sahib saw a dream and worked passionately to turn his dream into reality . The result of his hard work is the outstanding Theatre Festival named after him. We are honoured to be a part of this year.”

Playwright Mahesh Elkunchwar also acknowledged the legacy of the festival and its curator, saying, “Qadir Ali Baig Sahib who revolutionized the theatre and cultural space of Hyderabad is remembered every year by his devoted son and admirers every year to pay him tribute and I consider myself blessed that I am included in this moving occasion. Padmashri Mr Mohammad Ali Baig, a devoted son of a legend and a theatre person of eminence himself, has continued his father’s glorious tradition with great faith and love.”

Actor-director Makarand Deshpande, reflecting on the festival’s milestone edition, said, “Iss Festival ka ekkeesva edition hai, matlab iss Festival ki garima hai, yogyatha hai aur satya hai, aur hum iss satya ke saath hai.”

With its blend of acclaimed performances, master classes, cinematic tributes and heritage experiences, the 21st edition of the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival will once again bring together prominent voices from India’s theatre and film industries in Hyderabad from November 12 to 20.

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