Theatre is the highest form of education: Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma
HYDERABAD: At the 20th Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival inauguration, Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma hailed theatre as “the highest form of education.” The Park Hyderabad came alive with celebration, honoring two decades of the foundation’s vibrant influence on the city’s cultural landscape.
The Governor described the festival as a “majestic bridge” uniting India’s storied past with its ever-evolving artistic present. He celebrated its power to gather artists from across the globe, weaving together stories that reach beyond boundaries.
Adding to the evening’s excitement, the unveiling of the “Chand Tara” film poster paid tribute to the legendary Taramati. This cinematic project is a collaboration between the Foundation, Telangana Tourism, Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority, and The Park Hyderabad.
He added that Hyderabad, the City of Pearls, has long been a confluence of art where theatre connects heritage with modernity, memory with imagination. “This collaboration between the Foundation and the Telangana Government reflects our commitment to preserving culture and fostering innovation,” he said.
Governor Varma inaugurates the 20th Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival
Paying homage to the late Qadir Ali Baig, the Governor said, “He was not only a theatre pioneer but also a visionary who believed art unites humanity. His legacy continues through his son, Mohammad Ali Baig, whose work is distinguished.”
Meanwhile, Celebrated director-actor Mohammad Ali Baig, founder of the Foundation, recalled that its first show was at Taramati Baradari two decades ago, despite opposition. “As we mark 20 years, we return with the film Chand Tara, reimagining Taramati’s grace for a new generation,” he said.
Further, the evening included a musical performance of King Quli Qutb Shah’s poem ‘Piya Baaj Pyala Piya Jaye Na,’ highlighting Hyderabad’s Sufi heritage.
The film Chand Tara is co-produced by HMDA, Bijay Mandani, and Girish Mallpani. The music is by maestro Karthik Illaiyaraaja. The cast includes Mohammad Ali Baig, Tollywood actress Shivani Rajashekar, and others.
