“Surabhi is more than a theatre legacy in Telugu culture — it is a world where children learn to face the spotlight before they learn to speak. I am Surabhi Jaya Chandra Varma, and my life on stage began at seven months old, when my mother carried me into the lights during Brahmamgari Charitra as Bala Brahmam. That first appearance set the tone for a journey connected to a 140-year-old tradition.
Surabhi’s story began in 1885 with Sri Vanarasa Govinda Rao garu in Surabhi village, Kadapa. Today, I lead the Sri Venkateswara Surabhi Theatre Group and have performed in more than 5,000 plays. My grandfather R. Nageshwar Rao garu, a Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee, upheld this artform with commitment that continues to guide us.
From its roots in Tolubommalata puppetry, Surabhi evolved into a theatre style known for rolling curtains, live music, poems, and onstage effects that once felt magical and still remain timeless. Over the decades, the family grew into multiple groups, but the connection through theatre has stayed strong.
We travelled to villages, towns, and cities across India, performing for ticket prices that once began at 50 paise and stayed modest until the pandemic pushed us towards sponsorships. That shift widened our reach. I performed in France and later helped bring Surabhi into the digital space with our website and social media.
Our stage continues to present classics like Maya Bazar, Bhakta Prahlada, Sri Krishna Leelalu, Jai Pathala Bhairavi, Lava Kusa, Sri Venkateswara Udbhavam, Sati Anasuya, and others. I have also written and directed works including Katharnak Mallanna and Swayamwaram.
The next generation is already part of the story. My eight-year-old has acted in 500 shows and my five-year-old in several hundred — trained by my mother, just as she trained me. Makeup and backstage techniques have evolved with time, but our discipline has remained the backbone of every performance.
I have conducted workshops across India, collaborated with NSD in Bengaluru and Delhi, and trained under B. V. Karanth garu. In 2016, I received the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar.
I have acted in over 20 feature films, starting with Krishnam Vande Jagatgurum, where I played Karna. Sharing the stage with Tanikella Bharani garu remains a personal milestone.
Our ancestors once travelled to Burma by ship to perform. Today, we continue that spirit across India and on global stages. People may not remember every name, but they remember Surabhi’s stories — and that is what keeps this legacy alive.
I firmly believe India needs a cultural quota, just like a sports quota, to support artists who dedicate their lives to preserving traditional art.
Surabhi has changed, adapted, and grown — but our commitment to theatre has never wavered.”