India’s prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) will make its debut in Singapore at the Indian Theatre Festival, organised by the High Commission of India. The festival will run from 28 to 30 August 2025 at the iconic Capitol Theatre.
The event marks two major milestones — 60 years of India–Singapore diplomatic ties and 60 years of NSD’s Repertory Company.
Popular NSD alumni like Rajpal Yadav, Pankaj Tripathi, Mukesh Tiwari, and Yashpal Sharma have already shared video messages online, inviting audiences to attend.
Three acclaimed Hindi plays will be staged over three evenings. Each will have English subtitles to make them accessible to all audiences.
Abhigyana Shakuntalam
Date: 28 August
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:15 PM
Kalidasa’s Sanskrit masterpiece opens the festival. This poetic love story follows King Dushyanta and Shakuntala — from their first meeting, through heartbreak, to a final reunion.
Known for its lyrical beauty and emotional depth, this timeless classic will be presented with a fresh theatrical approach while keeping its essence intact.
NSD’s version is choreographed, musically composed and directed by Prof. Vidushi Rita Ganguly
Babuji
Date: 29 August
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:15 PM
Based on a story by Mithileshwar, dramatised by Vibhanshu Vaibhav and directed by Rajesh Singh, this musical drama tells the story of Lallan Singh, a man who pursues his passion for music and dance despite family rejection.
Years later, as a successful performer, he is invited to sing at his own daughter’s wedding. The play explores themes of art, identity, and personal redemption.
Taj Mahal ka Tender
Date: 30 August
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:15 PM
Written by Ajay Shukla and directed by Chittaranjan Tripathy, this satirical comedy imagines Shah Jahan trying to build the Taj Mahal in today’s bureaucratic system.
From paperwork delays to corruption, the play uses sharp humour to highlight the red tape and absurdities of modern governance. It’s a humorous take on how even grand visions struggle in a maze of approvals.
Founded in 1959, NSD is India’s top theatre training institute under the Ministry of Culture. Its Repertory Company has staged hundreds of productions over the decades, ranging from Sanskrit classics to modern Indian and global theatre.
