Delhi will come together on April 17 and 18 at the Shri Ram Centre, Mandi House, for Piyush Rang Mahotsav—a two-day theatrical tribute marking the 71st birth anniversary of the late Padma Bhushan awardee and iconic advertising visionary, Piyush Pandey.
Conceptualised by his sister, noted theatre personality Rama Pandey, and presented by RATNAV, the tribute celebrates Pandey’s legacy through the medium he deeply valued—storytelling. The initiative uses theatre to reflect his unique ability to communicate profound ideas with simplicity, warmth and emotional resonance.
Rama Pandey said, “For me, this is not just an event, but a deeply personal expression of remembrance. My brother had the rare gift of saying so much in so little. Through theatre, we hope to carry forward that same ability to touch hearts and connect with people.”
Carrying forward Pandey’s belief in nurturing young voices, students from leading institutions, including his alma mater St. Stephen’s College, will participate in the tribute. A specially curated photo installation inspired by his iconic moustache and a nostalgic “Kuch Meetha Ho Jaaye” gesture will offer audiences a personal and familiar connection to his memory.
Two theatrical productions form the heart of the programme. On April 17, Darakhte Azaade Hind tells the story of a 200-year-old neem tree in a Uttar Pradesh village that witnessed India’s freedom struggle. When the tree faces being cut down in the name of development, the family matriarch’s quiet resistance becomes a symbol of courage, sacrifice and renewal.
On April 18, Thakur Zalim Singh presents a reflective narrative set in Rajasthan, exploring themes of power, greed and the possibility of redemption. The play questions whether true transformation lies in conquest or in the courage to let go.
The occasion will also honour Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, with the “Sanskritsheela for Preserving Culture of India” award for his contribution to safeguarding India’s cultural heritage. The event is expected to be attended by ambassadors from Nepal, Mauritius and Guyana.
Sharing his thoughts about the initiative Sachchidanand Joshi said, “Piyush Rang Mahotsav is a beautiful expression of our creative energy, which combines artistic expression and emotional vibrancy beautifully.”
Through this tribute, theatre becomes both a medium and a message—honouring a storyteller whose words left a lasting imprint on generations.
