In Mumbai, Hindi theatre has evolved and developed some of the best talents found in the arts - from the socially relevant theatre of Prithviraj Kapoor and the Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA), the memorable writings of Mohan Rakesh and Dharmvir Bharti, to the experimental works of Satyadev Dubey and Sunil Shanbag. Over the last 35 years, groups like Ank, Yatri, Ekjute, Ansh, Aaranya, Aarambh, have been working consistently to nurture Hindi theatre in the face of overpowering odds; namely Bollywood, satellite television and other mediums of popular culture. In light of all this, The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) Mumbai is proud to host the third edition of its annual theatre festival Ananda - Hindi Natya Utsav 2013 from May 3 to 5.



Opening with a play from Hyderabad - QULI-DILON KA SHAHZAADA, Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation, presents a love-legend of the founder of Hyderabad, Poet-Prince Quli Qutub Shah and his danseuse, beloved Bhagmati in an interesting structure, choreographed shadow play, live qawwali with nazms and verses written by Prince Quli Qutub Shah himself in Urdu-Persian, period sets and costumes. The play will have live qawwals of the traditional Warsi and Gwalior gharanas. Nadira Babbar's (Ekjute Productions) YEH HAI BOMBAY MERI JAAN is about a bunch of young people who come to Mumbai to try their fortune in films and Ank's MITRO MARJANI is a fiery dramatization of Krishna Sobti's classic novel, directed by Devendra Ankur. All three plays have very different themes.

Ms. Deepa Gahlot, Head - Programming (Theatre and Film), NCPA, says, ''The festival is a platform for original works. The idea is to be a catalyst and start something new for our audiences in keeping with the NCPA's role as a prime theatre destination in the city.''