Nagpur: For two days, MSEDCL employees swapped their official roles for characters on stage, bringing theatre, music, lights and storytelling to life at the Nagpur Regional Inter-Circle Drama Competition 2026.This two-day festival showcased the lesser-seen artistic side of MSEDCL employees, with four plays presenting a mix of themes, performances and stagecraft. When the curtains came down, Nagpur Circle’s Thalai Kuthal emerged as the Best Play, while Akola Circle’s Chindi Bazaar was adjudged the runner-up.The festival featured Chindi Bazaar from Akola, Gulam from Amravati, Thalai Kuthal from Nagpur and Ek Hoti Rani from Chandrapur. Employees took on roles ranging from actors and directors to set designers, lighting technicians, musicians and costume artists.The performances drew senior officials, employees and theatre enthusiasts from Nagpur, Akola, Amravati, Chandrapur and Gondia circles. The judging panel comprised noted theatre personalities Mahesh Paturkar, Vivek Kher and Meenakshi Borkar.MSEDCL Executive Director (Planning and E-Vehicle Charging Stations) Prasad Reshme said the happiness experienced by an artist while performing and the smiles created among the audience were the real rewards of theatre.Director (Operations) Dhananjay Ondhekar encouraged those who did not win awards to return next year with renewed energy. He said the platform could help employees develop their talent and bring recognition to MSEDCL across Maharashtra.Thalai Kuthal dominated several categories, with Praful Lande winning the direction award and Prashant Madavi taking the Best Male Actor prize. Jayant Banerkar won for lighting, Amit Pedhekar for background music, while Anushree Pandey and Swati Phate won for makeup and costumes.Chindi Bazaar also made its mark, with Supriya Ghutke winning Best Female Actor and Sanjay Purkar securing the second prize for direction. Gulam won the top prize for set design through Sudhir Khujnare, while Ek Hoti Rani secured recognition in several technical and acting categories.The competition also recognised emerging talent, with Usha Dhote, Vaibhav Ingle, Asit Ramteke and Bhavin Nandha receiving consolation prizes. Child artistes Amay More and Jeetu Singh received special consolation awards.
