JKAACL launches weekly ‘Saptahik Rangadhara’ at Abhinav Theatre

Jammu, April 12: Under the stewardship of Ms Harvinder Kour, Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), the Academy Saturday launched its eagerly anticipated weekly theatre series, Saptahik Rangadhara, at Abhinav Theatre, Jammu.
This landmark initiative is designed to invigorate the region’s theatre scene and foster sustained cultural engagement. The inaugural phase, taking place in Jammu, will be followed by a Kashmir edition from May 2025. Each Saturday, audiences can look forward to powerful stage performances that celebrate local talent and explore socially relevant, historical and patriotic themes.
The series was formally inaugurated with the traditional lamp‑lighting ceremony by  Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary of the Department of Culture, in the presence of Suresh Kumar Gupta, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Sanjeev Rana, Additional Secretary, JKAACL, Dr Javed Rahi, Head of the Jammu Division, JKAACL and eminent theatre artist Santosh Sangra.
In his address, Gupta welcomed the revival of meaningful theatre, observing that platforms like ‘Saptahik Rangadhara’ not only showcase artistic excellence but also illuminate the sacrifices of India’s forgotten heroes. Mr Sharma echoed these sentiments, praising the Academy’s vision and noting that theatre plays a crucial role in shaping cultural narratives and fostering public dialogue.
In his welcome remarks, Dr Rahi revealed that no fewer than 20 theatre groups had already submitted plays for the series, reflecting the initiative’s broad support within the theatrical community. He emphasised that ‘Saptahik Rangadhara’ aims to nurture local talent, promote socially pertinent storytelling and strengthen the bond between performers and audiences.
The inaugural production, Ek Panna Gumnaam, written and directed by Rajneesh Kumar Gupta, delved into the life of revolutionary Ashfaq Ullah Khan. The cast included Rajneesh Kumar Gupta himself in the titular role, Kusam Tikoo as his anguished mother, and veteran performers Madan Rangile, Janak Khajuria and J.R. Sagar, supported by Amit Bhalla, Tarun Charam, Rishab Manhas, Prashant Sharma, Aman Verma and Sudesh. The production team featured Rajesh Raina (Assistant Director), Shammi Dhamir (Make‑up), Yuvraj Gupta (Costumes) and Ravinder Manhas (Music). The next presentation, Bali aur Shambhu by the Royal Dogras group, is scheduled for Saturday, April 19. Entry to all performances is free.