The 17th edition of Bharat Rang Mahotsav, Asia's largest theatre festival, will not see the participation of either Pakistani plays or artistes.
The theme of this year's festival is 'Breaking Borders' and will include stage productions from countries like UK, Germany, China, US, Poland, Switzerland, and even close neighbours Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. But Pakistani plays have failed to make the cut.
When asked about the absence of Pakistan at this year's fest, NSD director Waman Kendre, said, "This year the selection was done through a three-tier process. So, I think it has been very transparent. We have selected plays purely on the basis of their merit and not.
"There have been over 500 entries and we could not accommodate all. There were Pakistani entries as well but I think none made the cut this time. It is just as simple as that," he added.
In 2013, two plays by Pakistani theatre groups at the Bharat Rang Mahotsav were cancelled amidst the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
