ArtistDirect News
Aditya Birla Group Launches INT Performing Arts Academy to Revive Indian National Theatre Legacy
On a crisp June morning, the Aditya Birla Group unveiled the INT Aditya Birla Performing Arts Academy, a bold step toward breathing new life into India’s storied stage tradition. The ceremony, held on Monday, June 6, 2026, saw the group’s chairman, Kumar Mangalam Birla, and family members Neerja Birla, Ananya Birla and Aryaman Vikram Birla join philanthropist Rajashree Birla—now the academy’s chairperson—in a gathering that fused heritage with ambition.
The academy is positioned as a national centre for excellence in theatre, music and dance, with a clear mission: to nurture emerging talent and spark innovation that remains firmly rooted in India’s cultural traditions. In addition to intensive training and performance opportunities, the institution will house an archival centre dedicated to preserving rare recordings, stage productions and cinematic works tied to the Indian National Theatre (INT) and other historic art forms. Operating as a not‑for‑profit entity, the academy will prioritize outreach, education and community engagement, especially in underserved areas.
The Indian National Theatre, founded in 1943 amid the country’s freedom movement, has long served as a launchpad for luminaries such as Amrish Puri, Smita Patil, Sanjeev Kumar, Paresh Rawal and Rohini Hattangadi. The troupe was originally established by cultural leaders including Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, who also helped shape India’s National School of Drama. By aligning the new academy with the INT’s legacy, the Aditya Birla Group signals its intent to continue the tradition of fostering artistic talent that has historically enriched India’s cultural dialogue.
An advisory council of respected figures from India’s performing‑arts ecosystem has been assembled to guide the academy’s trajectory. The council includes Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, a celebrated sarod virtuoso; Shankar Mahadevan, noted composer and vocalist; Aruna Sairam, classical vocalist; Siddharth Roy Kapur, film‑industry executive; and Terence Lewis, dance choreographer. Their involvement underscores a commitment to a broad spectrum of disciplines and to maintaining high standards of artistic excellence.
The launch event was punctuated by a conversation between lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar and television host Cyrus Sahukar, which explored creativity, resilience and the future of India’s cultural landscape. Classical vocalist Kaushiki Chakraborty delivered a tribute that honored legendary artists Noor Jehan, Shobha Gurtu, Kishori Amonkar and Begum Akhtar, reinforcing the academy’s dedication to preserving and celebrating India’s rich musical heritage.
The initiative follows a broader trend of corporate investment in cultural infrastructure. By establishing a dedicated performing‑arts academy, the group aims to create a sustainable platform that supports artists from early training through professional development. The archival component is expected to serve researchers, educators and future generations, ensuring that rare works remain accessible for study and performance.
While the academy’s full operational plans are still being finalized, the launch event demonstrated the group’s unwavering commitment to the arts. The presence of high‑profile industry leaders and the inclusion of a diverse advisory council suggest that the INT Aditya Birla Performing Arts Academy will become a significant node in India’s cultural ecosystem.
In summary, the Aditya Birla Group has established the INT Aditya Birla Performing Arts Academy as a national hub for theatre, music and dance, focused on nurturing talent, preserving heritage and engaging underserved communities. Its alignment with the historic Indian National Theatre and collaboration with leading artists and industry figures position it to play a pivotal role in India’s cultural future.
The academy is positioned as a national centre for excellence in theatre, music and dance, with a clear mission: to nurture emerging talent and spark innovation that remains firmly rooted in India’s cultural traditions. In addition to intensive training and performance opportunities, the institution will house an archival centre dedicated to preserving rare recordings, stage productions and cinematic works tied to the Indian National Theatre (INT) and other historic art forms. Operating as a not‑for‑profit entity, the academy will prioritize outreach, education and community engagement, especially in underserved areas.
The Indian National Theatre, founded in 1943 amid the country’s freedom movement, has long served as a launchpad for luminaries such as Amrish Puri, Smita Patil, Sanjeev Kumar, Paresh Rawal and Rohini Hattangadi. The troupe was originally established by cultural leaders including Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, who also helped shape India’s National School of Drama. By aligning the new academy with the INT’s legacy, the Aditya Birla Group signals its intent to continue the tradition of fostering artistic talent that has historically enriched India’s cultural dialogue.
An advisory council of respected figures from India’s performing‑arts ecosystem has been assembled to guide the academy’s trajectory. The council includes Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, a celebrated sarod virtuoso; Shankar Mahadevan, noted composer and vocalist; Aruna Sairam, classical vocalist; Siddharth Roy Kapur, film‑industry executive; and Terence Lewis, dance choreographer. Their involvement underscores a commitment to a broad spectrum of disciplines and to maintaining high standards of artistic excellence.
The launch event was punctuated by a conversation between lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar and television host Cyrus Sahukar, which explored creativity, resilience and the future of India’s cultural landscape. Classical vocalist Kaushiki Chakraborty delivered a tribute that honored legendary artists Noor Jehan, Shobha Gurtu, Kishori Amonkar and Begum Akhtar, reinforcing the academy’s dedication to preserving and celebrating India’s rich musical heritage.
The initiative follows a broader trend of corporate investment in cultural infrastructure. By establishing a dedicated performing‑arts academy, the group aims to create a sustainable platform that supports artists from early training through professional development. The archival component is expected to serve researchers, educators and future generations, ensuring that rare works remain accessible for study and performance.
While the academy’s full operational plans are still being finalized, the launch event demonstrated the group’s unwavering commitment to the arts. The presence of high‑profile industry leaders and the inclusion of a diverse advisory council suggest that the INT Aditya Birla Performing Arts Academy will become a significant node in India’s cultural ecosystem.
In summary, the Aditya Birla Group has established the INT Aditya Birla Performing Arts Academy as a national hub for theatre, music and dance, focused on nurturing talent, preserving heritage and engaging underserved communities. Its alignment with the historic Indian National Theatre and collaboration with leading artists and industry figures position it to play a pivotal role in India’s cultural future.