Bollywood’s Biggest Names Kick Off Prithvi Festival 2025 at Iconic Mumbai Theatre

The Prithvi Festival 2025 opened in grand style on Sunday evening, drawing some of Bollywood’s most respected actors and theatre veterans to the historic Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai. The annual performing arts festival, founded in memory of legendary actor Prithviraj Kapoor, has long been a cultural landmark — and this year’s opening night proved no exception.

Among those in attendance were Saif Ali Khan, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Boman Irani, Neena Gupta, Divya Dutta, and Zahaan Kapoor, who is also a trustee of the theatre. Photos shared by Prithvi Theatre’s official Instagram account showed an evening filled with music, dance, and lively conversations, with actors seen celebrating the start of the festival in a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.

One photo captured acclaimed actors Naseeruddin Shah, Boman Irani, and Neena Gupta dancing, while another showed Zahaan Kapoor chatting with his brother-in-law Saif Ali Khan. The post’s caption read: “An evening of celebration, connection, and theatre’s timeless charm… Here’s to the warmth, the respect, and the magic that opened Prithvi Festival 2025.”

The star-studded gathering sparked a wave of FOMO across the film industry, with several actors taking to social media to express regret for missing the event. Dia Mirza commented, “Missed being with you all so much,” while Lillette Dubey wrote that she was unable to attend due to the opening of her own play. Rasika Dugal, Shreya Dhanwanthary, Aahana Kumra, and Vrajesh Hirjee were among others who sent their love virtually.

A Celebration of Stage, Stories, and Community

Running until November 17, the 2025 edition of the Prithvi Festival is themed around “celebrating stories, stage, and community.” The programme includes new theatrical productions, film screenings, live music, and interactive sessions spread across Prithvi Theatre and Prithvi House. Workshops by acclaimed artists — including theatre icon Naseeruddin Shah — are also part of the lineup.

Founded in 1978 by Jennifer Kapoor, the festival continues to serve as one of India’s most respected platforms for stagecraft, bringing together established performers, emerging voices, and audiences that value live art in an increasingly digital world.

With its star-powered opening night and rich cultural calendar ahead, Prithvi Festival 2025 once again reaffirms the theatre’s role as a living, breathing institution in India’s artistic landscape — one where Bollywood and theatre not only intersect, but celebrate each other.