CHD
Juhi Babbar Soni’s ‘Ek Lamha Zindagi’ moves audiences on opening day; Rakesh Bedi, Jatin Sarna, Paritosh Tripathi and other celebrated artists join the five-day festival
Chandigarh: Stories of love, relationships, laughter and social realities took centre stage as Chandigarh University inaugurated its annual Dastak Theatre Festival 2026, bringing together celebrated actors, theatre professionals, performing arts experts and students for five days of compelling performances and creative expression.
Organised by the university’s Department of Art and Cultural Affairs, the festival features a diverse programme of theatre productions and performing arts events designed to entertain audiences while encouraging them to reflect on human emotions, relationships and contemporary social issues. From comedy and storytelling to social satire, the festival offers a platform for established performers and emerging talent to share their craft.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by several prominent personalities, including Dr. Ravinder Narayan, founder, managing director and chairman of GTC Network; actress Juhi Babbar Soni; Punjabi film actor Malkit Rauni; Nikhil Mishra, senior vice-president and head of programming at GTC Network; and Jannat Kaur Sandhu, director of Chandigarh University, along with other distinguished guests.
The festival has attracted a notable line-up of performers from the film, television and theatre industries. Among those associated with the event are Rakesh Bedi and Danish Iqbal, known for their work in Dhurandhar; Sacred Games actor Jatin Sarna; Paritosh Tripathi, popularly known as “TRP Mama” from the reality show Super Dancer; theatre and television actress Sugandha Srivastava; veteran actress and director Anamika Sagar; actor and director Rajinder Sharma, also known as Nanu, associated with films such as PK and Love Aaj Kal; theatre director, actor and musician Ajit Chowdhary; Sandeep Bansal, founder and managing director of Chaupal; singer Aman Jaji; and actor Shishir Sharma, among other film and theatre professionals.
The five-day festival features a broad range of activities, including mono acting, mimicry, street plays, short films, stand-up comedy and a fancy-dress competition. Six theatrical productions form the centrepiece of the programme: Ek Lamha Zindagi: A Love Story 1938–1979, Aankh Micholi, Massage, Bunkar: A Theatrical Presentation of Stories, Pati Gaye Re Kathiawad and Kaju Katli.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest Dr. Ravinder Narayan said theatre was much more than the art of acting, describing it as a discipline that helps shape personality and teaches important lessons about life. He said theatre strengthens communication skills, builds confidence, improves the ability to connect with people and encourages critical thinking. He urged students to participate in theatrical productions and experience how the art form could contribute to their personal growth and development.
In her welcome address, Chandigarh University Director Jannat Kaur Sandhu said the institution aimed to develop students who were not only skilled and successful but also curious, sensitive and willing to think differently. She described Dastak as a celebration of artistic expression, the richness of human experiences and the transformative power of storytelling, adding that theatre could touch hearts while enriching people intellectually and emotionally.
The opening day’s highlight was the deeply moving production Ek Lamha Zindagi: A Love Story 1938–1979, inspired by the real-life love story of Juhi Babbar Soni’s grandparents. Directed by Makarand Deshpande and Juhi Babbar Soni, the play explores the complexities of relationships, the depth of human emotions and the ways life and love evolve through changing circumstances. Written by Juhi Babbar Soni, Nadira Zaheer Babbar and Noor Zaheer, the production portrays a love story that endures across time, distance and life’s many challenges.
Speaking about the importance of theatre in an artist’s journey, Juhi Babbar Soni encouraged aspiring performers to embrace the stage as an essential part of their training. She said theatre provides a strong foundation for actors, helping them develop discipline, deepen their understanding of characters and strengthen their ability to express emotions authentically.
With its mix of established artists, thought-provoking productions and opportunities for student participation, Dastak Theatre Festival 2026 aims to create a vibrant cultural space where storytelling connects generations, challenges perspectives and celebrates the enduring power of live performance.
