“For 140 years, the Surabhi theatre tradition has survived every change in entertainment—from silent films and radio to television, cinema, and now OTT platforms. While the way people consume stories has changed dramatically, ours is a family that still gathers to tell them on a stage.
I’m Surabhi Jayanand Rakendar, and I belong to a family that has spent generations keeping this tradition alive.
The roots of Surabhi’s journey go back to 1885, when Keechaka Vadha was performed in a small village in present-day Kadapa district. What followed was the growth of a unique family theatre tradition that travelled across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, carrying mythology, folklore, music, and stagecraft from one generation to the next.
Our elders lived on the road. Entire families moved from town to town, setting up temporary theatres and performing for local audiences. The stage travelled with us, along with the costumes, props, and stories that became our identity. For us, theatre was never just a profession—it was a way of life.
Keeping a 140-year-old tradition alive in today’s world comes with its challenges. Audiences now have endless entertainment choices at their fingertips. Yet every time the curtain rises and a live audience responds to a performance, we are reminded that some experiences cannot be replaced by a screen. The connection between artist and audience remains as powerful as ever.
Over the years, many Surabhi artists worked in films, mostly in brief roles. Then came a memorable opportunity. Our entire troupe was cast in the web series Hari Katha. Sharing screen space with Rajendra Prasad Garu and playing substantial supporting roles was a proud moment for all of us. It felt like recognition not just for the artists on screen, but for generations of Surabhi performers who dedicated their lives to this art form.
The pandemic brought live performances to a halt and tested us like never before. We adapted by presenting online shows and finding new ways to stay connected with audiences. It taught us that traditions survive not by standing still, but by evolving with the times.
One of the things that makes Surabhi special is that it remains a true family tradition. Children, parents, and grandparents often share the same stage, learning from one another and carrying forward a legacy that has endured for more than a century.
As we celebrate 140 years of Surabhi, I feel grateful to be part of a journey much larger than myself. Our responsibility is not only to perform, but to ensure that this remarkable tradition continues to inspire future generations. After all, every generation of Surabhi artists has shared the same goal—to make sure the curtain never falls on this legacy.”
— Surabhi Jayanand Rakendar, Performer, @surabhidramatheatre