Sanhita Manch 2025: A Celebration of Theatre and Playwriting

Mumbai, July 2025 — Sanhita Manch, now in its 7th edition, returns this August with a power-packed lineup of original plays, discussions, and theatre-centric conversations. This festival reaffirms its commitment to the written word and the evolving language of theatre.

Presented by Being Association, the festival runs from 1st to 3rd August 2025 at P.L. Deshpande Kala Academy, Ravindra Natya Mandir, Mumbai. It is a confluence of playwrights, directors, performers, and theatre enthusiasts. Together, we will explore the literary soul of theatre.

Inaugural Ceremony and Special Guests

This year’s festival will open with a special inaugural ceremony at 6 PM. Renowned theatre critic and writer Shanta Gokhale will lead the event. The evening will also be graced by celebrated actor and theatre stalwart Seema Bhargava Pahwa as the Chief Guest. Acclaimed film and stage actor Jaideep Ahlawat will join as the

Special Guest. Their presence underscores the growing significance of Indian playwriting and the importance of platforms like Sanhita Manch. The dignitaries will unveil the published editions of the winning plays, brought to life in print by Kautilya Books.

“Sanhita Manch is more than a festival; it’s a movement,” says actor Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub, one of the festival’s champions.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel… Theatre is that light. It is our duty not to let it out, so that future generations can also see that light.”

Echoing this sentiment, director and actor Rasika Agashe adds,

“Theatre is our love language. When there is too much drama happening in the world, the real drama gives me hope and a sense of peace.”

Engaging Discussions and Panels

Beyond the performances, this year’s festival will feature talks, panel discussions, and immersive sessions. These will focus on the evolution of playwriting, its contemporary relevance, and how modern socio-cultural shifts shape narratives on stage.

The discussions will provide insights into the challenges and triumphs of theatre-making today. They will also explore how storytelling can be a powerful tool for change.

Festival Highlights – 2025 Lineup of Plays

• 1st August | 7:30 PM

All That Matters (English Play)

Playwright: Meera Sitaraman | Director: Rasika Agashe

Link to BookMyShow

Synopsis: A murder that happened in 1984 has received a court hearing in 2024, but the accused has been dead for decades now. The victim, a cow named Kamala, has come back to seek justice of a different order. Based on a number of true events, this is a true fiction.

• 2nd August | 7:30 PM

Mithyasur (Hindi Play)

Playwright: Pranav Pandey | Director: Ajeet Singh Palawat

Link to BookMyShow

Synopsis: "Mithyasur explores the importance of stories and myths in the development of humanity. It unveils the complex relationships between ignorance, science, facts, truth, and falsehood—especially as they are manipulated under the guise of state and religion. The story is set in 18th-century Hindustan, where a temple priest guided by a dream-demon suddenly loses his divine visions just as war with the East India Company looms. As faith falters, the priest and a science-minded princess must confront the blurred lines between myth, truth, and power."

• 3rd August | 4:30 PM

Romeo and Shakuntala (English Play)

Playwright: Avinash Matta | Director: Srinivas Beesetty

Link to BookMyShow

Synopsis: A playwright wishes to write a new play that would serve as a tribute to Shakespeare and Kalidas, an Indian tragedy equivalent of Romeo and Juliet! However, in his attempt to write and direct this play, he picks up the disguise of promoting Diversity and Inclusion. He is unaware of how this will bring out his own biases, as well as those of those around him. As the premiere show turns into a disaster, what should have been a tribute turns out to be a shallow attempt to confront one's own identity!

About Sanhita Manch

Sanhita Manch is a theatre festival dedicated to celebrating literature and the art of playwriting. It aims to nurture contemporary storytelling by spotlighting new voices. The festival encourages dialogue around theatre-making and explores the dynamic intersections of text, performance, and society. Through engaging sessions and compelling stage works, Sanhita Manch holds space for reflection, experimentation, and collaboration.

Tickets are available on BookMyShow.

Venue: P.L. Deshpande Kala Academy, Ravindra Natya Mandir, Prabhadevi, Mumbai.

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