Pankaj Tripathi’s ‘Lailaaj’ selected for Bharat Rang Mahotsav

Actor Pankaj Tripathi and his wife Mridula Tripathi ’s maiden theatre production Lailaaj is set to be staged at the 25th edition of Bharat Rang Mahotsav , India’s largest theatre festival, organised by the National School of Drama in New Delhi.

Produced under the couple’s banner Roopkatha Rangmanch , Lailaaj is a musical comedy play written and directed by Faiz Mohammed Khan . The prestigious festival, popularly known as Bharangam, began earlier this week and will continue till February 20, showcasing acclaimed theatre productions from India and abroad.

The selection marks a significant milestone for Roopkatha Rangmanch, as Lailaaj is the banner’s very first production and its debut presentation at Bharat Rang Mahotsav. The play also marks Pankaj Tripathi’s return to the stage after more than a decade. Adding a personal touch to the production, the play features the stage debut of the couple’s daughter, Aashi .

Calling the selection a “full circle moment”, Tripathi said theatre is where his roots lie and that the National School of Drama represents discipline, honesty, and deep respect for the craft. He described Lailaaj as a simple and heartfelt musical, shaped by the collective effort of people who believe deeply in theatre as a living art form. Sharing the stage with his daughter, he said, adds an emotional layer he will always cherish.

Co-producer Mridula Tripathi said Roopkatha Rangmanch was founded with the intention of telling sincere stories rather than chasing recognition. She described the play’s selection for the festival’s 25th edition as deeply validating and said watching their daughter take her first steps on stage in such a meaningful space is an emotional experience for the family.

Bharat Rang Mahotsav is considered one of the most prestigious platforms for theatre artists in the country, celebrating diverse voices, storytelling traditions, and the enduring power of live performance.