Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation’s new initiative to celebrate works of women in performing arts

Beginning January 18, the series is conceived and designed by Mohammad Ali Baig as a tribute to his mother and co-founder of the theatre foundation

Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation is starting a new series ‘Remembering Razia Baig’ which will present works of women in theatre, cinema, music, literature, cuisine and fashion.

Beginning January 18, the series presents renowned singer, stage and screen actor Ila Arun’s book ‘Parde ke Peechhey’ at the Taj Deccan. Reading and release of the book will feature actors Ila Arun, Anjula Bedi and Noor Baig.

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Next in the impressive line-up includes Himani Shivpuri’s solo performance ‘Akeli’, from Mumbai, while Delhi’s Sohaila Kapur will showcase ‘Anand Hi Anand’, a bio-sketch of cousins Chetan Anand, Dev Anand and Vijay Anand’s work in Bollywood. The series also features Hyderabad’s veterans Rashmi Seth, thumri and khayal singer Mala Bararia, dancer Daksha Seth from Kerala, and filmmaker Payal Kapadia.

The series is conceived and designed by Mohammad Ali Baig as a tribute to his mother and co-founder of Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation. Begum Razia Baig passed away in March last year after co-curating the prestigious Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival’s 18 editions. She won the ‘Woman of the Decade in Theatre’ award from the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and several international honours for her work in theatre promotion.

“This new series would present works of women professionals in performing arts from across the country as a salutation to Begum Razia Baig whose quiet and understated visions shaped the city’s cultural scape for half-a-century, first with late Qadir sahab’s plays like ‘Barf ki Minar’, ‘Aadhey Adhure’, ‘Lehron ke Rajhans’ and 40 others since 1970, and then with the Foundation since its formation,” says Mohammad Ali Baig.