19 Stories, 19 Schools, One Stage – Celebrating the Voice of Young India at Gaiety Theatre, Shimla
The historic Gaiety Theatre in Shimla is set to transform into a vibrant stage of creativity and storytelling as Bal Rangmanch Mahotsav 2025 – Inter School Hindi Drama Competition kicks off from October 3rd to 5th, daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. A celebration of young talent, this unique theatre festival brings together the energy of schoolchildren, the wisdom of seasoned mentors, and the passion of artists to create an unforgettable showcase of performance art.
Organised by Keekli Charitable Trust, the Mahotsav is more than a drama competition—it is a movement. With a mission to bridge the gap between generations, Keekli works passionately with children and senior writers, fostering intergenerational learning, empathy, and inspiration. Through theatre, they aim to encourage the youth to express, explore and engage with the world around them—while staying rooted in their culture and values.
This year’s Theatre Festival features 19 original Hindi stories written by 19 eminent writers from Himachal Pradesh, adapted and performed by 19 enthusiastic school teams from Shimla and nearby regions. Each play is a labour of love, shaped by dedicated teachers as directors, students as performers, and a young, talented team of Creative Directors who guided each team in mastering the nuances of theatre—from stagecraft to character-building.
A Special Guest from Stage & Screen: Vineet Kumar
Gracing the event as a special guest is the acclaimed actor Vineet Kumar—a versatile artist of Indian theatre, television, and international cinema. A graduate of the prestigious National School of Drama, Kumar has showcased his talent across multiple languages including Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Bhojpuri, and English. He has made notable appearances in Hollywood films like “Return to Rajapur” (with Lynn Collins) and “Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain” (alongside Martin Sheen and Mischa Barton). His performance in the Telugu blockbuster “Vikramarkudu” earned him immense appreciation in the South Indian film industry. On television, his role in the show ‘Jaana Na Dil Se Door’ earned him the Indian Television Academy (ITA) Award in 2016 for Best Negative Role (Jury).
Known for his immersive and nuanced acting style, Vineet Kumar remains an active contributor to both theatre and cinema. His presence at the Mahotsav brings with it not just celebrity appeal, but a genuine passion for the performing arts, and he stands as an inspiration for every young performer stepping onto the stage.
A Confluence of Stories and Stage
At the heart of Bal Rangmanch Mahotsav 2025 lies the magic of storytelling. The selected stories explore themes of human values, social change, imagination, cultural identity, and contemporary issues—providing a platform where literature meets live performance.
Under the mentorship of the Core Team—Srinivas Joshi, Jawahar Kaul, Bhupender Sharma, and Vivek Mohan—and with tireless workshops and pre-rehearsals conducted by these senior Theatre Directors, each team worked to refine their scripts, polish their presentation, and discover their voice on stage. A special note of gratitude is extended to Srinivas Joshi, a true visionary whose constant support and wisdom continue to guide Keekli’s artistic endeavours.
Young Creative Directors Fuelling the Fire of Performance
Meet the passionate Creative Directors – Shruti Rohta, Sanjeev Arora, Rupesh Bhimta, Naresh K. Mincha, Neeraj Parashar, and Hemant Attri—a dynamic team who mentored each school with unwavering commitment. Despite weather challenges and demanding schedules, they consistently visited the schools, conducting rehearsals, offering feedback, and most importantly, instilling in students a deep love for theatre. Their role extended beyond direction—they became motivators, collaborators, and the guiding light for over 250 young performers. Shruti Rohta took on the added challenge of mentoring four teams, while the others diligently guided three teams each. Their work not only enhanced the plays artistically but transformed the experience into a life lesson in teamwork, perseverance, and creative expression.
A Jury with an Eye for Talent
To judge these compelling performances, a panel of esteemed theatre veterans has been assembled – Avtar Sahani, Anita Pandey, and Suresh Sharma. Each has carefully read all 19 stories and will be evaluating performances across categories such as Best Adaptation, Best Performance, Best Direction, Best Actor, and Best Actress, among others. Their task is no small feat, as they must assess raw, budding talent exploring the stage for the very first time.
A Community of Supporters and Believers
This cultural milestone has been made possible by the tireless efforts and generous support of Department of Language, Art and Culture, Samagra Shiksha (Education Department), La Himalayas, HimachalTonite (Media Partner), ‘Vichlit’ Ajay, the Gaiety Theatre Management, anonymous donors, and the school managements, teachers and young participants who opened their hearts and schedules to theatre.
An Invitation to Witness the Magic
This is not just a competition; it is a festival of expression, culture, imagination, and community. With three days of original theatre by children, Bal Rangmanch Mahotsav 2025 promises moments of laughter, introspection, wonder, and inspiration.
Join us at The Gaiety Theatre, Shimla, from October 3rd to 5th, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily, and witness how theatre becomes a bridge—between generations, between literature and life, between stories and souls.
Because every child has a story to tell—and every stage is a step toward a brighter tomorrow.
