The Governor of Manipur graced the opening ceremony of the 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) 2026 at the Chorus Repertory Theatre, Imphal.

Organised by the National School of Drama (NSD), the world’s largest international theatre festival is being held in its largest-ever format, spanning multiple cities across India and seven continents.

The inaugural presentation featured KANUPRIYA, directed by eminent theatre personality Ratan Thiyam and based on the celebrated poetic work of Dharamvir Bharti. The opening event highlighted Manipur’s rich theatrical heritage and paid tribute to the lifelong contribution of Ratan Thiyam to Indian theatre. Special significance was attached to the staging of KANUPRIYA at the Chorus Repertory Theatre, founded by Ratan Thiyam in Imphal in 1976.

The occasion reaffirmed confidence that the Bharat Rang Mahotsav would foster meaningful cultural dialogue and reinforce the transformative power of theatre on society.