Bhoomika Theatre Group is bringing drama to the doorstep in Hyderabad, reviving its Mungitlo Natakam (Theatre at Your Doorstep) initiative. The group is marking the legacy of its founder, the late Udaya Bhanu Garikipati, who passed away in May 2025.
As part of this revival, Manasa BHEL Executive Towers, a residential township, will turn into an unconventional performance venue for the Telugu play Sampangi on May 2.
The Initiative: Theatre at Your Doorstep
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Initiative Name | Mungitlo Natakam (Theatre at Your Doorstep) |
| Theatre Group | Bhoomika Theatre Group |
| Location | Hyderabad |
| Venue | Manasa BHEL Executive Towers (residential township) |
| Date | May 2, 2026 |
| Time | 7 pm |
The 7 pm staging will be preceded by a storytelling session for children in the morning, making it a full day of cultural engagement for the community.
The Play: ‘Sampangi’
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Play Title | Sampangi |
| Language | Telugu |
| Inspiration | Reimagining of Rapunzel |
| Theme | Teenagers questioning parental betrayal, captivity, and passivity |
“Sampangi is our reimagining of Rapunzel, seen through the lens of today’s teenagers, who question the original tale’s assumptions around parental betrayal, captivity and passivity,” says Udaya Kiran Garikapati.
Continuing a Legacy
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Udaya Bhanu Garikipati (passed away May 2025) |
| Current Leader | Udaya Kiran Garikapati (son, software professional) |
A software professional, Udaya Kiran Garikapati stepped in to lead the group after the passing of his father and Bhoomika founder Udaya Bhanu Garikipati in May 2025. The revival of Mungitlo Natakam is part of his effort to honour his father’s legacy and continue the group’s mission of taking theatre to the people.
The Bigger Picture
This initiative represents a unique approach to theatre outreach—bringing performances directly to residential communities rather than expecting audiences to come to traditional venues. It breaks down barriers between performers and spectators, making theatre accessible to those who might not otherwise attend.
