Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma inaugurated the 19th edition of the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival at the historic Taramati Baradari Cultural Complex in Hyderabad. During the event, the Governor praised the festival for its significant contribution to Hyderabad’s theatre scene over the last two decades. He remarked, “This festival has truly reshaped Hyderabad’s theatre scene.” Reflecting on the life of Begum Razia Baig, he quoted Shakespeare, saying, “All the world’s a stage,” and noted that she “played her role with grace and left an enduring impact on the stage of life.”
The Governor also shared his personal connection to theatre, recalling his experiences watching plays in Kolkata during his youth. He described theatre as “a rich, complete experience that needs no explanation.” He commended curator Mohammad Ali Baig for his dedication in introducing theatre to new generations. The Governor also highlighted the inclusion of Bollywood actor Ashish Vidyarthi’s stand-up performance, ‘Sit Down Ashish’, which was the first comedy act ever featured at the festival, aimed at attracting a wider audience.
Curator Mohammad Ali Baig expressed the deeper meaning behind this year’s festival. He dedicated the event to the memory of his mother, Begum Razia Baig, who co-founded the festival and served as its long-time chairperson. “For the first time in 19 years, Begum Razia Baig is not with us,” Baig said. He described her as “the heart and soul” of the festival and emphasized that the festival remains a tribute to his father, Qadir Ali Baig, a legendary theatre figure who brought iconic theatre experiences to Hyderabad, often set against the backdrop of forts and palaces.
