Chandigarh, December 16:
Chitkara University, Punjab, proudly organized Rangrezz 2024 – The National Theatre Fest, centered around the theme “Zikr—The Language of Memories, The Stage of Expressions.” The festival celebrated the transformative power of theatre, showcasing creativity, talent, and cultural diversity from across the country.
The event began with an inspiring inaugural session led by Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor of Chitkara University, and Chief Guest Mr. Subodh Poddar, an esteemed advertising and film director. A distinguished panel of judges, including prominent figures like Ms. Sweety Ruhel, Mr. Vansh Bhardwaj, and Mr. Chakresh Kumar, lent their expertise to evaluate the performances. Theatre enthusiasts from various states, including Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, delivered mesmerizing acts, vying for a share of the impressive ₹6 lakh prize pool.
The festival featured an eclectic mix of theatrical forms, including proscenium plays, street performances (Nukkad Nataks), monologues, Fringe Theatre, and the Zikr-e-Alfaz open mic sessions. The atmosphere was further enlivened by cultural stalls and community engagement activities. Musical performances by Prabh Gill and DJ Ali Merchant added a dynamic rhythm to the event, creating a memorable experience for attendees.
Highlights and Winners
In the Street Play category, Rajdhani College, New Delhi, emerged victorious, followed by Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, New Delhi, and Azeez Arts, Punjab. Shyam Lal College, New Delhi, received a consolation prize.
In the Stage Play category, Panjab University, Chandigarh, claimed the top position. Halkara Theatre Group from Kurukshetra, Haryana, and Prayas Theatre Group from Kaithal, Haryana, secured second and third places, while Maskhare Theatre Group from Haryana earned a consolation prize.
The Monologue category showcased exceptional individual talent, with Prerna Goyal from New Delhi taking first place. Manjinder Singh from Mohali, Punjab, and Ananya Sharma from Noida, Uttar Pradesh, were awarded second and third places.
In the Fringe Theatre category, Post Graduate Government College, Chandigarh, bagged the first prize, followed by Lady Shri Ram College, New Delhi, and GGDSD College, Chandigarh.
For the Open Mic sessions, winners included Tirth Darji (GLS University, Ahmedabad), Ayush Sharma (Graphic Era University, Dehradun), and Kunwardeep Singh, Krishna Dev, and Sehajbeer Singh from Chitkara University, Punjab.
Valedictory Ceremony
During the closing ceremony, Dr. Madhu Chitkara expressed her admiration for the participants and the art of theatre. She remarked, “Theatre is a timeless medium that connects deeply with human emotions and tells compelling stories. Rangrezz 2024, already a national platform, has the potential to achieve international acclaim in the future. This event is a beacon for nurturing talent and fostering artistic expression in meaningful ways.”
Rangrezz 2024 underscored the enduring impact of theatre as a platform for storytelling, emotion, and cultural celebration, while reflecting the vibrancy of India’s artistic heritage.
About The Author
