Veteran actor Manoj Joshi as Chanakya
NSD Gears Up for Chanakya’s Timeless Triumph
New Delhi: Delhi’s theatre scene is about to ignite with the return of Chanakya, a stage play that resurrects the genius of Acharya Chanakya, the strategist who forged the mighty Mauryan Empire 2,500 years ago. Led by the magnetic Manoj Joshi—veteran of the boards with unforgettable turns in satirical gems like Rangeela Re and Golmaal Pyar Ka, alongside poignant Gujarati works such as Gandhi Virrudh Gandhi and Suryavanshi—this production has become a cultural juggernaut, clocking over 1,739 shows across India and beyond. Chanakya is no dusty history lesson; it’s an electrifying call to embrace leadership, unity, and vision in today’s India, drawing straight from the razor-sharp wisdom of Chanakya’s Arthashastra. That ancient blueprint for statecraft—packed with principles like ethical governance, where rulers must shun personal gain for the people’s welfare; strategic foresight in forging alliances amid chaos; and a servant-leader ethos that demands empathy and accountability—pulses through every scene, urging modern minds to rethink power as a tool for nation-building, not self-aggrandisement.
On a brisk October morning in 2025, Joshi faced a room full of journalists in Delhi, his passion for the play as palpable as ever. “Chanakya’s story isn’t trapped in the past,” he declared, his voice brimming with conviction. “It’s a blueprint for anyone who dares to dream big for their nation, echoing the Arthashastra’s call for leaders who listen, adapt, and serve with unyielding integrity.” The stage is set for four unmissable performances on November 1 and 2, 2025, at the National School of Drama (NSD)’s Abhimanch Auditorium, a venue Joshi chose with reverence. “NSD is the heartbeat of Indian theatre,” he said, a spark of nostalgia in his eyes. “There’s no better place to bring Chanakya’s story—and his timeless treatise on wise rule—to life.”
The timing couldn’t be more perfect—Delhi’s November chill will only amplify the warmth of this theatrical masterpiece, with shows at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM on both days. Tickets are already selling fast on BookMyShow, and the buzz suggests a star-studded audience—Joshi let slip with a sly smile that even Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been mesmerised by Chanakya three times. “This play speaks to hearts that value vision over vanity,” he said, a nod to the Arthashastra’s emphasis on intellectual humility and crisis mastery.
When a reporter hinted at political undertones, given Chanakya’s ties to ancient Magadha (modern-day Bihar) and the upcoming Bihar elections, Joshi was sharp and clear. “This isn’t about politics; it’s about principle,” he said. “Bihar gave us Chanakya, a man whose Arthashastra taught us that power is for building, not basking—through honest administration, economic prudence, and alliances that uplift the realm. Every leader should take note.” His words landed with quiet force, a reminder of the play’s timeless relevance, blending historical intrigue with lessons in adaptive strategy and people-first ethics.
Talk of a Chanakya film brought a playful grin to Joshi’s face. “A movie? That’s a pricey dream,” he chuckled. “But if someone’s bold enough to try, I’m ready to jump in—perhaps weaving in more of the *Arthashastra*’s cunning diplomacy for the big screen.” The room buzzed with laughter, but the idea lingered—a cinematic Chanakya, steeped in those ancient secrets of retention, learning, and ethical might, could be the next big thing.
Wrapping up, Joshi invited Delhi’s theatre lovers with open-hearted enthusiasm. “Come, feel the fire of Chanakya’s intellect this November at NSD. Let’s celebrate a story that bridges yesterday and today, infused with the Arthashastra’s enduring spark for visionary rule.” As he stepped away, the air crackled with anticipation. Chanakya isn’t just a play—it’s a movement, and Delhi is about to witness its magic.
– global bihari bureau
