Chandigarh University hosts 5-day ‘Dastak Theatre Festival 2026’
Brings Together Renowned Actors & Theatre Artists to Celebrate the Art of Storytelling and Human Emotions
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, October 23, 2026: Chandigarh University’s five-day Dastak Theatre Festival 2026 opened with a moving performance of Ek Lamha Zindagi – A Love Story 1938–1979, bringing together renowned actors, theatre artists and students for a celebration of storytelling and human emotions.
Organised by the university’s Department of Art and Cultural Affairs (DACA), the annual festival features six plays alongside mono-acting, mimicry, street theatre, short films, stand-up comedy and other cultural activities.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Rabindra Narayan, Founder, Managing Director and President of GTC Network; actress Juhi Babbar Soni; Punjabi film actor Malkit Rauni; Nikhil Mishra, Senior Vice President and Head of Programming at GTC; and Jannat Kaur Sandhu, Director of Chandigarh University, among other dignitaries.
The opening play, Ek Lamha Zindagi, written by Juhi Babbar Soni, her mother Nadira Zaheer Babbar and maternal aunt Noor Zaheer, draws inspiration from the real-life love story of Juhi’s grandparents. Directed by Makarand Deshpande and Juhi Babbar Soni, the production traces a relationship spanning 1938 to 1979, exploring love, separation, changing circumstances and the resilience of human relationships across generations.
Speaking after the performance, Juhi Babbar Soni emphasised the importance of theatre in an actor’s development. She said aspiring actors must continue practising their craft, watching accomplished performers and investing in intellectual and artistic growth alongside physical appearance.
“Theatre builds a strong foundation,” she said, underlining the value of sustained practice and learning for actors.
The festival also opened with Kaju Katli, a one-act play presented by Chandigarh University students that has received recognition at regional and national theatre festivals. The play follows two sisters, Kaju, who is deaf, and Katli, who is unable to speak, whose lives are shaped by exploitation and abuse. The story follows Katli’s escape and efforts to ensure that those responsible face consequences, while Kaju is rescued.
Addressing the inauguration, chief guest Rabindra Narayan said theatre helps students develop discipline, communication skills, confidence and a deeper understanding of life. He encouraged students to participate in theatrical productions, describing the art form as a means of personal development and becoming better citizens.
In her welcome address, Jannat Kaur Sandhu said the university wanted students to become not only professionally skilled but also curious, compassionate and open to different perspectives. She described the festival as a celebration of artistic expression and the diversity of human experiences.
The five-day festival brings together performers from film, television and theatre, including Rakesh Bedi, Danish Iqbal, Jatin Sarna, Paritosh Tripathi, Sugandha Srivastava, Anamika Sagar, Rajinder Sharma Nanu, Ajit Chowdhury and Shishir Sharma. Film producer and lyricist Bunty Bains, singer Aman Jaji and Chaupal founder and managing director Sandeep Bansal are also among the personalities associated with the event.
The upcoming programme includes Aankh Micholi, a Hindi comedy-drama directed by Vikas Bahari and written by CP Deshpande. Featuring Jatin Sarna, Paritosh Tripathi, Sugandha Srivastava and Rashmit Desai, the play revolves around a family whose secrets and misunderstandings lead to unexpected comic situations.
Actor Rakesh Bedi will present Massage, a solo performance directed by Harbansh Singh. The play follows Happy Kumar, an aspiring actor who moves to Mumbai but ends up working as a personal masseur. Through a range of characters, the production uses humour and satire to examine politics, high society, the legal profession and the film industry.
Another production, Bunkar, conceived, directed and performed by Danish Iqbal with Anamika Sagar, brings together two stories. Hero: Ek Love Story, written by Ravi Buley, follows a romantic dreamer whose world is upended by an unexpected revelation, while Cycle Kahani, written by Kunal Singh, explores childhood, friendship, love and the bittersweet milestones of life.
The festival will conclude with Pati Gaye Re Kathiawar, written by Sudhir B. Kulkarni and directed by Ajit Chowdhury. Featuring Rajinder Sharma Nanu, Ajit Chowdhury and their team, the satirical romantic comedy examines marital relationships and social expectations through the story of a husband who leaves for Kathiawar.
Through its mix of comedy, social satire, personal narratives and student performances, Dastak Theatre Festival 2026 aims to offer audiences fresh perspectives on relationships, society and the human experience.