Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival 2026 Returns to Hyderabad with Star-Studded Lineup
October 27, 2026 18:30:54 IST MTG editorial
The Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival 2026 is set to return to Hyderabad for its 21st edition from November 12 to 20, 2026, bringing together celebrated personalities from Indian theatre and cinema. Recognized as one of India's prominent theatre festivals, the annual event has become an important part of Telangana's cultural calendar. This year's lineup features Rakesh Bedi, Raghubir Yadav, Mohan Agashe, Deepti Naval, Jabbar Patel, Goutam Ghose, Manu Rishi Chadha, Roshini Achreja, Shrivardhan Trivedi, and several other distinguished artists, promising audiences a vibrant celebration of performing arts.
Curated by Padma Shri Mohammad Ali Baig, the festival offers a blend of theatrical performances, cinema, cultural heritage, and traditional Hyderabadi hospitality. Among the anticipated productions is Rakesh Bedi's performance of Vijay Tendulkar's Massage, while Raghubir Yadav will present Piano, adapted from Ferenc Karinthy's Steinway Grand. Other highlights include Daulat Vaid's multimedia production Shakuni: The Question Remains, inspired by the Mahabharata, and Manu Rishi Chadha's Window Tak Aashiqui. Adding a distinctive cultural experience, the festival will also host a traditional Hyderabadi Chowki dinner at the Baig family's historic haveli, connecting theatrical storytelling with the city's rich heritage.
Beyond live performances, the festival will celebrate Indian cinema through special presentations, including Goutam Ghose's Yatra, featuring Rekha and Deepti Naval, alongside Jabbar Patel's tribute to legendary actress Smita Patil. Dedicated to the memory of Hindustani theatre pioneer Qadir Ali Baig, the festival continues to encourage artistic dialogue and cultural exchange. For theatre lovers across India, the nine-day celebration promises memorable performances, meaningful storytelling, and an opportunity to experience the enduring magic of live theatre. As legendary theatre personality Alyque Padamsee once remarked, "This festival is a brand everyone in the country wants to be associated with."