The 20th Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META) and Festival 2025 has announced that the lifetime achievement award for META 2025, which marks META’s 20th year, will be conferred on Shanta Gokhale. Gokhale is a well-known writer, translator, journalist and theatre critic best known for Marathi novels Rita Welinkar and Tya Varshi, both of which won the Maharashtra state award for best novel.
The week-long META Festival will be held from March 13 to 20 at New Delhi’s Kamani Auditorium and Shri Ram Centre, where META 2025’s shortlisted plays will be performed. For the 2025 season, the festival received 367 entries from 25 states across India, along with two international submissions. The shortlist has plays from Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal, and Maharashtra. As always, the festival has embraced inclusivity and diversity, with entries submitted in 47 Indian languages and dialects. The final 10 nominations feature plays in Hindi, Malayalam, Bangla, Kannada, Sanskrit, Bundeli, and English.
The 20th META in 2025 will present awards in 14 categories including the lifetime achievement award as well as 13 competitive categories such as best production, best director, best stage design, best light design, best sound and music design, best costume design, best actor in a lead role (male), best actor in a lead role (female), best actor in a supporting role (male), best actor in a supporting role (female), best original script, best ensemble and best choreographer.
Commenting on the announcement, Jay Shah, vice president and head, cultural outreach, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “META continues to inspire theatre practitioners and audiences alike, reaffirming our vision to make a meaningful positive impact for theatre in our country. As we celebrate this landmark 20th year, we look forward to a week of outstanding performances showcasing the finest theatrical talent in the country.”
Sanjoy K Roy, managing director, Teamwork Arts, said, “META highlights the diversity and excellence of Indian theatre. META 2025 honours the finest talent from across the country. As we celebrate its landmark 20th year, the festival continues to champion the vibrant theatre community, building connections and inspiring diverse stories to take the stage.”