The Stagecraft Awards 2025 marks its eighth edition with the theme 'Stagecraft Ke Sholay,' honoring the unsung heroes of live stage performances while celebrating the 50th anniversary of the legendary film 'Sholay.' The event seeks to spotlight the magic of technicians and explore the artistry of body doubles and impersonators.
The Stagecraft Awards 2025 is all set to dazzle audiences and celebrate the backbone of live performances—the technicians who work tirelessly behind the scenes. This year, the awards embrace a special and evocative theme, "Stagecraft Ke Sholay," paying homage to the 50th anniversary of the iconic film 'Sholay' and the spirit of stagecraft that fuels both cinema and live entertainment.
Key Highlights:
Honoring the Unsung Magicians
The annual event, organized by the Stagecraft Foundation, shines a light on the indispensable role of live stage technicians—those whose expertise ensures the magic on stage comes alive. Legendary singer Usha Uthup, founder trustee and chairperson of the foundation, eloquently acknowledged that without these technicians, artists like herself and superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee would not have reached their iconic status. This year's edition is a heartfelt tribute to their skill and dedication.
A Cinematic Milestone Celebrated
The theme celebrates the golden jubilee of 'Sholay,' one of Indian cinema's most revered classics. Beyond just reminiscence, the awards delve into how 'Sholay' and its cinematic illusions symbolize the power of illusion, identity, and authenticity in performing arts. The event reflects on the mystique of body doubles, impersonators, lookalikes, and even AI-generated doubles, showcasing the evolving landscape of performance art.
Unveiling and Jury Meet
Held at Science City Auditorium in Kolkata, the poster launch was graced by prominent personalities including Usha Uthup, Pramod Grover (Director, Science City), and Prosenjit Chatterjee, who is also the face of the awards. The day included a distinguished jury meeting featuring luminaries like Tanmoy Bose, Iman Chakraborty, Jaya Seal, and others, representing a blend of artistic and corporate expertise.
Exploring the Art of Illusion
"Stagecraft Ke Sholay" goes beyond honoring technicians; it explores the fascinating world of body doubles and doppelgängers—ranging from historic royal decoys to contemporary artists and AI-driven impersonators. This introspection invites audiences to ponder the complexities behind the identity and creativity that shape performances on both stage and screen.
The Path Ahead
The main event will take place on November 21, 2025, at the Science City Auditorium in Kolkata. It promises to be a celebration of artistic innovation, technical brilliance, and cultural legacy, with artists, technicians, and experts gathering to acknowledge the unseen heroes whose magic powers the arts.
In conclusion, the Stagecraft Awards 2025 elegantly fuses tribute and innovation by celebrating five decades of "Sholay" while spotlighting the expertise behind live performance art. The theme "Stagecraft Ke Sholay" powerfully honors technical mastery and theatrical illusion, honoring those who turn creative vision into unforgettable realities.
Sources: News Nation 360, The Kolkata Mail, Instagram (Stagecraft Awards official), Sagittarius.Inc Facebook, News Nation
