Mohali, Oct 22: The campus of Chandigarh University has turned into a hub of creative expression as the annual five-day stage gala, Dastak Theatre Festival 2026, officially commenced under the aegis of the Department of Art and Cultural Affairs. Bringing together a distinguished gathering of stage veterans, screen personalities, industry leaders, and university students, the event serves as a platform to explore human emotions, society, and relationships through an engaging collection of theatrical presentations.
Distinguished guests from the media and entertainment sectors attended the inauguration ceremony. Rabindra Narayan, Founder, Managing Director, and President of GTC Network, was present as the chief guest alongside actress Juhi Babbar Soni, Punjabi film actor Malkit Rauni, Nikhil Mishra, Senior Vice President and Head of Programming at GTC, and Jannat Kaur Sandhu, Director of Chandigarh University.
Addressing the gathering, Rabindra Narayan stated that theatre extends far beyond the mechanics of acting, asserting that the stage acts as a classroom for life by instilling discipline, refining communication skills, and nurturing personal growth.
He maintained that participating in dramatic arts enables individuals to become more thoughtful and connected citizens, urging every student to experience the transformative power of the medium.
Welcoming the attendees, Chandigarh University Director Jannat Kaur Sandhu declared that the institution aims to cultivate individuals who are compassionate, intellectually curious, and equipped with fresh perspectives.
She affirmed that the festival celebrates diverse artistic voices and human experiences, adding that storytelling possesses an enduring capability to touch hearts while enriching minds.
The event features an array of prominent figures from film, television, and dramatic arts. The list of visiting personalities includes Rakesh Bedi, Danish Iqbal, Jatin Sarna, Paritosh Tripathi, Sugandha Srivastava, Anamika Sagar, Rajinder Sharma Nanu, Ajit Chowdhury, Sandeep Bansal, singer Aman Jaji, Shishir Sharma, and film producer-lyricist Bunty Bains.
Alongside six major full-length theatrical productions, the schedule encompasses short films, street plays, mimicry, solo acting, stand-up comedy, and fancy dress competitions.
The proceedings opened with a student-led performance titled Kaju Katli, a acclaimed one-act drama depicting the struggles of two sisters, one deaf and the other dumb, who navigate adversity and exploitation before seeking justice.
The formal evening production featured Ek Lamhaa Zindagi: A Love Story 1938–1979, written by Juhi Babbar Soni, Nadira Zaheer Babbar, and Noor Zaheer, and co-directed by Juhi Babbar Soni with Makarand Deshpande. Inspired by the personal history of Juhi’s grandparents, the narrative spans four decades to chronicle the endurance of affection across time, distance, and historical shifts.
Reflecting on the medium after her performance, Juhi Babbar Soni asserted that stage work forms the fundamental backbone for any actor. She stated that continuous practice, consistent observation of fine performances, and persistent intellectual cultivation remain vital for artistic development, emphasizing that inner artistic growth carries equal importance alongside physical presence.
The multi-day schedule promises diverse thematic explorations. The second day features Aankh Micholi, a Hindi comedy-drama written by CP Deshpande and directed by Vikas Bahari, starring Jatin Sarna, Paritosh Tripathi, Sugandha Srivastava, and Rashmit Desai, which explores hidden family dynamics through humor. The third day presents Massage, a solo monologue directed by Harbansh Singh, wherein Rakesh Bedi portrays twenty-four distinct characters to deliver a sharp satire on societal power structures through the eyes of an aspiring actor turned masseur.
The festival continues with Bunkar, an immersive presentation conceived and performed by Danish Iqbal alongside Anamika Sagar, bringing together two distinct narratives focused on romance and nostalgia. The final day concludes with Pati Gaye Re Kathiawar, written by Sudhir B Kulkarni and directed by Ajit Chowdhury, featuring Rajinder Sharma Nanu and Ajit Chowdhury in a satirical romantic comedy centered on marital relationships and cultural commentary.
