National School Of Drama — Attraction in New Delhi

The origins of the school can be traced back to a seminar in 1954, where the idea of a Central institution for theatre was mooted, subsequently a draft scheme was prepared in 1955, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi, which had Jawaharlal Nehru as its president, started drawing plans for the institution. Meanwhile, elsewhere in Delhi, Bharatiya Natya Sangh (BNS) with assistance from UNESCO, independently established the 'Asian Theatre Institute' (ATI) on January 20, 1958, and in July 1958, ATI was taken over by the Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA), India’s National Academy of Music, dance and drama of Government of India.2

In the following year, the government merged it with the newly founded school, and thus NSD was established in April 1959 under the auspices of Sangeet Natak Akademi. Initially the school was situated at Nizamuddin West, and was called 'National School of Drama and Asian Theatre Institute, whose first batch passed out in 1961. During his tenure as the director of the institution, Ebrahim Alkazi(1962–1977), not just overhauled the syllabus, but also had the students dig and build platforms for a theatre in the backyard of a rented Kailash Colony house, where NSD had moved.4] Later when it moved to its present location, he also designed two theatres for NSD, including a 200-seat studio theatre, and the open-air Meghdoot theatre, under a banyan tree.[3

In 1975 it became autonomous organization, under the erstwhile Ministry of Education and Ministry of Culture, Department of Culture, with the name 'National School of Drama' and relocated in May 1975, to its present premises at Bahawalpur House, the residence of Bahawalpur a former princely state. However, the place is generally known by adjacent (now demolished) Mandi House, the former residence of Raja of erstwhile Mandi princely state.[3] In 1999, the School organized its first National Theatre Festival, 'Bharat Rang Mahotsav', generally held during the second week of January each year.

In 2008, the institution celebrated its golden jubilee at its annual theatre festival, Bharat Rang Mahotsav, with a gathering of its alumni from all over the country,[6] the festival’s satellite edition in Mumbai showcased plays of NSD graduates, including Ratan Thiyam’s Prologue, Bansi Kaul (Aranyadhipati Tantiya), Neelam Mansingh Chowdhury (The Suit), Sanjay Upadhyay (Harsingar), Baharul Islam(Akash), Mohan Maharishi (Dear Bapu) and M K Raina (Stay Yet Awhile).[7] Waman Kendre was appointed as Director the school in 2013. He will serve a five-year term.[8] He has done post-graduate with research in folk theatre of Kerala from NSD. He belongs to the nomadic Vanjara tribal community of Marathwada and was one of the leading lights of the Dalit theatre movement in Maharashtra in the...

I had the pleasure of attending a National School of Drama (NSD) play at the Bharat Rang Mahotsav, and the experience was absolutely unforgettable. As a visitor, this was my first time at the festival, and I must say, it exceeded all expectations.

The performance I watched was staged at one of the auditoriums in Delhi, and right from the beginning, the ambiance felt electric. The audience was a mix of theatre enthusiasts, students, critics, and curious visitors like me. The festival is known for showcasing some of the finest productions from across the country and abroad, and NSD’s play was definitely one of the highlights.

The play dealt with a socially relevant theme, presented in a very thoughtful and layered manner. The acting was top-notch — each performer completely embodied their character. Their voice modulation, expressions, and body movements were a clear reflection of the intense training and dedication that NSD is famous for. There were moments in the play where I genuinely forgot I was watching a performance — that’s how immersive it was.

The direction and stage design were minimal yet highly effective. The use of lighting, background score, and props was creative and symbolic. What impressed me most was how the entire production relied more on strong storytelling and performance rather than over-the-top sets or costumes.

The auditorium was well-maintained and the seating arrangement was comfortable, with a good view of the stage from almost every angle. The sound system was crisp and the lighting cues were perfectly timed. The volunteers and staff at the festival were courteous and helpful in guiding guests.

What stood out most was the sense of cultural richness and artistic integrity. You could feel that the NSD students weren’t just acting — they were living their art. The audience was engaged throughout, often erupting into spontaneous applause after intense scenes or powerful monologues.

Outside the theatre, the festival atmosphere was equally vibrant. There were food stalls, exhibitions, and interactions with theatre artists and visitors from different parts of the country. As someone who appreciates the performing arts but is not deeply involved in theatre, this visit was eye-opening and very inspiring.

Overall, attending the NSD play at Bharat Rang Mahotsav was a deeply enriching experience. It gave me a renewed appreciation for theatre as a medium of social dialogue and emotional expression. If you’re in Delhi during the festival period and have even the slightest interest in performing arts, I highly recommend attending at least one play — especially a production by the National School of Drama. You’ll walk away entertained, moved, and maybe even transformed.

Can’t wait to attend...

The National School of Drama (NSD), a renowned drama training institute in Delhi, is highly regarded for its quality training, experienced faculty, and the production of talented actors and artists. Reviews emphasize the school's beautiful campus, good infrastructure, and diverse theatrical productions. Here's a more detailed look at what people say about the National School of Drama: What people like: Reputation and Quality: NDS is known as one of the premier drama schools in India, producing talented actors and artists. Experienced Faculty: Many reviewers mention the experienced and knowledgeable faculty who offer world-class training in acting, direction, and other dramatic arts. Campus and Infrastructure: The school's campus is praised for its beauty, good infrastructure, and multiple auditoria, stages and lawns. Performances and Artistic Expression: Users appreciate the unique theatrical experiences offered at NSD, which are often considered to be different from movies. Library: The library houses a vast collection of books, journals, periodicals, and more. What people say about NSD's performances: "The plays staged by the students and professional companies are mesmerizing". "The performances are artistic and offer a unique experience". "NSD produces excellent actors and experts in varied fields of production". Accessibility and Amenities: The school has wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking. "Good for kids" is also one of the highlights. The National School of Drama offers onsite services and reservations are required. Where to Find Reviews: TripAdvisor: You can find reviews and insights on TripAdvisor. Justdial: Reviews from Justdial users are available. Google Maps: You can check reviews on Google Maps. Facebook: The National School of Drama has a Facebook page with information about their events and...