The Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation, a globally acclaimed organization, has inaugurated a remarkable new series of Performing Arts-centered sessions titled “Remembering Razia Baig.” Dedicated to the memory of its Founder-Chairperson Begum Razia Baig, this initiative aims to spotlight accomplished women across various fields, including theatre, dance, fashion, literature, music, and even cuisine, in an effort to inspire future generations.
The first session, held at the Taj Deccan, Hyderabad, set the stage with the launch of folk singer, actress, and writer Ila Arun’s autobiography “Parde Ke Peechchey,” co-authored by Anjula Bedi. Former Minister for Tourism and Culture, Dr. J. Geetha Reddy, opened the evening with a heartfelt address. She praised the Foundation’s Founder-Director Mohammad Ali Baig for honoring his mother’s legacy and highlighted Begum Razia Baig’s pioneering role in bridging societal barriers with elegance and determination.
Actor-writer Noor Baig began the proceedings by reading excerpts from the book, setting an emotional tone for the evening. Ila Arun, known for her dynamic personality, captivated the audience with humorous anecdotes, while co-author Anjula Bedi shared insights from the book, including Arun’s experiences working on her debut film with the late Shyam Benegal. The narrative took an emotional turn as Arun shared stories about her mother, blending humor and pathos to leave the audience deeply moved.
Mohammad Ali Baig described the evening as a tribute to his mother’s legacy and a significant step toward the Foundation’s mission to amplify women’s voices in the performing arts. He expressed gratitude to the diverse audience, which included art connoisseurs, politicians, members of the defense and civil services, and even members of Hyderabad’s erstwhile royal families.
The “Remembering Razia Baig” series is supported by MPM Group and Taj Deccan, whose contributions have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. The inaugural session not only celebrated the achievements of accomplished women but also set a high benchmark for the sessions to follow.