Grand Finale of K.L. Saigal Punjabi Theatre Festival 2026 in Jalandhar; Audience Bids Emotional Farewell
Jalandhar: The sixth edition of the K.L. Saigal Punjabi Rang Utsav–2026 concluded on Sunday with an emotional yet grand finale, as theatre lovers bid farewell with teary eyes and a sense of pride after six days of compelling performances.
In a city often perceived as relatively quiet on the cultural front, the festival emerged as a vibrant oasis, leaving a lasting impression on audiences. Organised by Yuva Theatre in collaboration with the K.L. Saigal Memorial Trust, the event successfully rekindled interest in live theatre and drew enthusiastic participation from across sections of society.
The festival witnessed record-breaking attendance, with audiences gathering at the venue as early as 6:15 pm each evening. Even unseasonal rain failed to dampen the spirit, as theatre enthusiasts arrived ahead of time to secure their seats and immerse themselves in the performances.
Festival curator and director Dr Ankur Sharma said the initiative aims to bridge the “cultural void” in Jalandhar by bringing high-quality Punjabi theatre directly to the people. This year, six diverse plays from prominent theatre hubs including New Delhi, Chandigarh, Patiala and Amritsar were staged.
The festival opened on April 7 with Panj Khooh Wale, directed by Ravi Taneja, portraying the socio-economic struggles and rigidities within a Punjabi farming family. A comedy play Mirch Masala from Amritsar paid tribute to late playwright Jitinder Brar, while Panjab University, Chandigarh’s musical adaptation of Sohni-Mahiwal brought the magic of folklore alive on stage.
Dr Lakha Lehri’s Retake Zindagi sensitively explored the complexities of modern relationships. The classic Kanak Di Bali, based on Balwant Gargi’s powerful storytelling, vividly depicted rural Punjab’s ethos and traditions.
On the concluding day, Moh Di Tand, directed by Dr Ankur Sharma, struck an emotional chord with the audience. The play poignantly highlighted the loneliness of elderly parents left behind as their children move away in search of better opportunities. Its powerful performances and nuanced direction deeply resonated with viewers.
Dedicated to the legendary singer-actor K.L. Saigal, who had roots in Jalandhar, the festival has, over the years, cultivated a loyal audience base. Organisers emphasised that such engagement forms the backbone of a city’s cultural growth.
As the final applause echoed through the venue, it became evident that Jalandhar is no longer a city lacking in theatre culture, but an emerging cultural hub where appreciation for the performing arts continues to grow.