Chitralekha on Stage: A Deeply Reflective Theatrical Experience
On March 25, 2026, at the Muktadhara Auditorium, Gol Market, New Delhi, an evocative cultural evening unfolded with the presentation of “Chitralekha” by the Anuragna Theatre Group. Based on the timeless novel by Bhagwati Charan Verma, the play was skillfully Adapted & Directed by Ashraf Ali, who brought a balanced, sensitive, and deeply engaging vision to the stage.
The performance stood out as a serious and intellectually stimulating theatrical experience, exploring the complex philosophical dilemma of sin and virtue. Through a simple yet powerful narrative style, the production kept the audience engrossed till the very end, encouraging reflection rather than offering easy answers.
The evening commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, graced by eminent personalities including Senior Litterateur and Playwright Dr. Pratap Sehgal, Senior Litterateur and dramatist Dr. Harisuman Bisht, Senior Critic Anil Goyal, Playwright Rajesh Kumar, and Veteran Theatre Director Shyam Kumar. All the distinguished guests wholeheartedly appreciated the production, describing it as a powerful and contemplative work, and strongly recommended its restaging for wider audiences.
At the heart of the play were its three central characters—Chitralekha, Beejgupt, and Kumaragiri—through whom the philosophical depth of the narrative unfolded compellingly. Paribhasha Mishra, in the role of Chitralekha, delivered a nuanced performance, beautifully portraying grace, allure, and inner conflict. Her emotional depth and command over stage presence were particularly striking.
Rajesh Bakshi, as Beejgupt, delivered a standout performance marked by confidence, impactful dialogue delivery, and a commanding stage presence, making his character a strong focal point of the narrative. Meanwhile, Ankit Sati, portraying Kumaragiri, brought forth the essence of renunciation, introspection, and inner turmoil with remarkable restraint and seriousness, adding depth to the play’s philosophical dimension.
Supporting actors including Chirag Goyal (Shwetang), Akash Bhardwaj (Vishaldev), Khilkanand Bhatt (Ratnambar), and Vinay Kumar (Mrityunjay) contributed effectively, ensuring that the overall performance remained cohesive and engaging.
From a technical standpoint, the production was equally impressive. The lighting design by Divyang Srivastava played a crucial role in enhancing the emotional tone of each scene, while the music by Bharat Kumar deepened the overall atmosphere. The set design by Kamal Negi, along with costumes by Golu and Fahad Khan and makeup by Ravi Parcha, collectively created a vivid and immersive stage environment.
Overall, this staging of “Chitralekha” emerged as a meaningful and thought-driven theatrical experience. It reaffirmed that theatre is not merely a medium of entertainment, but a powerful platform for shaping thought and reflecting society. The Anuragna Theatre Group’s effort succeeds in leaving a lasting impression on its audience.