Mumbai, Jan 29 (NationPress) Actor Pankaj Tripathi has referred to the selection of his play Lailaaj for the 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav as a profoundly emotional and humbling experience, considering it a moment that brings him back to his roots.

Sharing his sentiments about Lailaaj being featured in the Bharat Rang Mahotsav, Pankaj Tripathi expressed in a touching note: “The Bharat Rang Mahotsav has a unique significance in the realm of Indian theatre, and having Lailaaj chosen for its 25th edition is genuinely humbling. Theatre is where my roots lie, and NSD has always stood for discipline, integrity, and immense respect for the craft.”

Pankaj along with his wife Mridula have produced their maiden theatre production Lailaaj, a musical comedy play under their banner Roopkatha Rangmanch, which has been officially selected to be showcased at the Bharat Rang Mahotsav, India’s largest and most distinguished theatre festival, organized by the National School of Drama (NSD), Delhi. The festival is set to take place from the last week of January through February.

Pankaj remarked, “Presenting our inaugural production under Roopkatha Rangmanch on such a prestigious platform feels like a full-circle moment. Lailaaj tells a simple, musical, and heartfelt story, yet it embodies the dedication of numerous individuals who view theatre as a vibrant, living art form.”

Written and directed by Faiz Mohammed Khan, Lailaaj holds special importance for the Tripathi family.

In addition to marking Pankaj’s return to the stage after over a decade, the play also features the stage debut of their daughter Aashi, making it a deeply personal and significant family endeavor.

“Performing alongside my daughter Aashi adds an emotional depth that I will always treasure. I perceive this not merely as a performance, but as a tribute to the theatre community that has molded me,” Pankaj stated.

Pankaj’s wife, Mridula, co-producer of the play, shared her perspective on this achievement.

She mentioned that when they initiated Roopkatha Rangmanch, their goal was never to pursue scale or fame but to narrate stories with authenticity and warmth.

“For Lailaaj to be selected for the Bharat Rang Mahotsav, especially in its 25th year, feels immensely validating. This play has been cultivated with love, patience, and faith in the creative process. Witnessing it reach a platform like NSD, where some of the most exceptional theatre works are honored, makes our journey even more significant,” she elaborated.

Speaking about her daughter’s theatre debut, Mridula remarked: “Watching Aashi take her first steps on stage in this environment is profoundly emotional for us as parents. We appreciate the festival, the audience, and every artist who believes that theatre can still inspire, heal, and unite.”