GUWAHATI, Oct 10: Assam’s renowned mobile theatre group Kohinoor Theatre may be heading towards closure after director Tapan Lahkar hinted at a possible end to its operations in a social media post, raising questions about the future of the institution that has been part of the state’s cultural landscape for nearly five decades.
Reflecting on his association with the group over the past year, Lahkar wrote, “Bahut kothai ase… But No More Kohinoor Theatre”. However, he did not specify the reasons behind the possible closure or confirm whether a final decision had been taken.
Founded in 1976 by veteran theatre personality Ratan Lahkar, Kohinoor Theatre, based in Pathsala in the Bajali region, built a reputation for large-scale productions, elaborate stage designs and innovative techniques that brought popular stories to life on stage.
Following Ratan Lahkar’s death in 2017, his son Tapan took charge of the group and continued its operations.
Over the years, the theatre group staged ambitious productions inspired by internationally recognised stories and films. Its adaptations of Titanic and Jurassic Park were among its notable attempts to recreate cinematic narratives for live audiences.
Kohinoor Theatre also took Assam’s travelling theatre tradition beyond the state. In 2010, the National School of Drama invited the group to perform in New Delhi, introducing its production style to a national audience.
Bhramyamaan theatre groups travel across Assam, staging performances at temporary venues and drawing audiences through acting, elaborate sets, music and technical effects. The format remains an important part of the state’s cultural landscape.
Any decision to discontinue Kohinoor Theatre’s operations would mark a significant development for a group that has contributed to Assam’s mobile theatre tradition since its establishment.
Further clarity is awaited on whether Lahkar’s post signals a definitive closure or a change in the group’s operations.
