Date: 5th, 6th & 7th December, 2025
Venue: Good Shepherd Auditorium, and The Prestige Centre for Performing Arts (PCPA). Bangalore
Time: ATTACHED SCHEDULE
Ticket: Online
After the phenomenal success of its debut season, the Bengaluru Theatre Festival (BTF) is set to make a grand return with its Season 2, promising a power-packed celebration of theatre, storytelling, and performance art.
Season 1, which featured 4 Housefull shows, witnessed an overwhelming response with over 4,000 theatre lovers in attendance. Riding on that momentum, BTF Season 2 is back, bigger and more ambitious from 5th to 7th December. It features 6 shows across two of the city’s most prominent cultural venues – Good Shepherd Auditorium and the Prestige Centre for Performing Arts (PCPA).
American Express has returned as the Title Sponsor for the Bengaluru Theatre Festival Season 2. Ahead of the public ticket sale, American Express Platinum Card Members enjoyed an exclusive five-day presale window, followed by ongoing benefit of 20% savings and a complimentary companion ticket on select seats, as part of the sponsorship.
Speaking on the festival’s return, Prabhu Tony, CEO & Co-Founder, Alchemist LIVE, said,“The response to the first edition of the Bengaluru Theatre Festival reaffirmed that the city has a deep and discerning love for the performing arts. Season 2 takes that experience several notches higher, with a larger lineup, iconic artists, and an elevated production scale. Our aim is to make BTF an annual cultural landmark for Bengaluru, much like what Delhi Theatre Festival has become for the capital.”
Speaking in a similar tone, Naseeruddin Shah said,“Bengaluru Theatre Festival has quickly become one of the most engaging stages for meaningful theatre and the audience here always brings a rare warmth and thoughtfulness to every show. I am excited to return with Einstein – a story that celebrates curiosity, brilliance, and human flaws.’’
The Bengaluru Theatre Festival is part of Alchemist LIVE’s nationwide theatre initiative, which also includes the acclaimed Delhi Theatre Festival and the upcoming Hyderabad Theatre Festival. Together, these festivals are shaping a vibrant ecosystem for theatre across India’s cultural capitals, one that celebrates live storytelling, nurtures creative talent, and inspires a new generation of audiences.
“It’s been a while since I last performed in Bengaluru, and coming back feels like returning to an old friend. The city has always had an incredible audience and I’m thrilled to be back with Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai at Bengaluru Theatre Festival Season 2,’’ said Anupam Kher.
Echoing his views and detailing the rising significance of Bengaluru for theatre enthusiasts, Rajat Kapoor said,’’Bengaluru has become one of the most thoughtful theatre cities in India. Bringing Nothing Like Lear to the Bengaluru Theatre Festival is always a joy, the audiences here engage, question, and feel with you. That’s what every director dreams of.’’
The lineup for BTF Season 2 includes:
- Vodka & No Tonic starring Lillete Dubey, Ira Dubey and Joy Sengupta, a witty, layered exploration of love, ageing, and modern relationships.
- Nothing Like Lear featuring Vinay Pathak, directed by Rajat Kapoor, a poignant and humorous take inspired by Shakespeare’s classic.
- Dhumrapaanstarring Kumud Mishra, Shubhrajyoti Barat, and others, directed by Akarsh Khurana, a sharp and relatable commentary on urban corporate chaos.
- Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai, a powerful solo performance by Anupam Kher, celebrating the unpredictability of life through his own journey.
- Einsteinfeaturing Naseeruddin Shah, a deeply moving portrayal of the genius physicist and the man behind the mind.
“There’s a certain honesty in how Bengaluru responds to theatre- warm, real, and intelligent. Bringing Dhumrapaan to Bengaluru Theatre Festival Season 2 is a joy because the play reflects the everyday chaos that everyone here will relate to,’’ said Kumud Mishra.
The tickets for BTF season 2 are available exclusively on BookMyShow and more updates including artist reveals and behind-the-scenes moments can be viewed by following @BengaluruTheatreFestival.
