The National School of Drama (NSD) stands as the premier institution for theatre education in India, shaping generations of actors, playwrights, and directors who’ve gone on to define Indian stage and screen. Established in 1959 by the Sangeet Natak Akademi and later becoming an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, NSD has played a pivotal role in preserving, promoting, and revolutionizing Indian theatre.
Located in New Delhi, NSD is not just a school — it’s a creative sanctuary, where stories are sculpted, characters are born, and the essence of live performance is explored to its core.
A Stage for Serious Theatre Aspirants
The NSD offers a rigorous three-year diploma program in dramatic arts, focusing on various aspects of theatre such as:
Acting and Voice Training
Direction
Stagecraft and Scenic Design
Costume and Makeup
Playwriting and Theatre History
Indian and World Drama
Students receive hands-on training, working with traditional folk forms as well as modern theatre practices. They are encouraged to experiment, question, and evolve as artists.
Legacy of Excellence
NSD has been the breeding ground for some of India’s most iconic performers and creators, including:
Naseeruddin Shah
Om Puri
Irrfan Khan
Pankaj Kapur
Surekha Sikri
Seema Biswas
Neena Gupta
These artists have not only left a mark on Indian cinema and television but have also contributed significantly to stage productions across the country and abroad.
Repertory Company – Theatre in Motion
NSD’s Repertory Company, founded in 1964, is one of the oldest professional theatre companies in India. It stages performances across genres and languages, preserving classical Indian theatre and encouraging modern experimental drama.
Their productions tour nationally and internationally, offering fresh, dynamic theatre experiences to audiences everywhere.
Bharat Rang Mahotsav – India’s Largest Theatre Festival
One of NSD’s major contributions to global theatre is the Bharat Rang Mahotsav, an annual international theatre festival launched in 1999. It brings together performers and troupes from around the world, promoting cultural exchange and highlighting the depth of Indian and global theatre traditions.
Outreach and Training Beyond Delhi
NSD is committed to spreading theatre culture across India through:
Extension programs in rural and urban areas
Workshops for children, youth, and educators
Satellite theatre schools and regional centres, especially in the Northeast and Southern India
These efforts make theatre inclusive and accessible, even beyond the metros.
Where Art Meets Purpose
The National School of Drama is more than an institution — it’s a cultural beacon, a guardian of tradition, and a platform for experimentation. It nurtures not only actors but true storytellers who understand the transformative power of performance. From small town dreamers to established artists, NSD continues to inspire those who seek to express truth through the timeless magic of theatre.
