Mumbai witnessed a celebration of acting, storytelling and the magic of live performance as the 12th edition of the Khidkiyaan Theatre Film Festival 2026 concluded with a star-studded closing ceremony on October 17. Organised by renowned casting director Mukesh Chhabra, the festival brought together actors, filmmakers, comedians and digital creators, turning the spotlight on the art of performance. From candid conversations about the early struggles of acting to discussions about theatre’s relevance in the age of streaming, the finale celebrated the creative journeys that shape Indian entertainment.
Among the major highlights was the camaraderie between actors Ravi Kishan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who shared the spotlight during the closing celebrations. In a joint interaction with the media, the two actors reflected on their early theatre experiences, the evolution of acting and the challenge of connecting with younger audiences. Their conversation offered a glimpse into the experiences that shape performers long before they become familiar faces on screen. With both actors known for their distinctive screen presence, their appearance added a memorable moment to the festival’s final day.
Arjun Rampal also made a striking appearance, discussing the enduring appeal of theatre and sharing insights into his acting journey. The actor spoke about his upcoming project Dhurandhar and recalled valuable acting advice he had received from veteran performer Naseeruddin Shah. His interaction highlighted how guidance from experienced actors can influence a performer’s approach to the craft. In an industry increasingly driven by digital platforms and large-scale productions, the festival offered a reminder that the fundamentals of acting remain rooted in observation, discipline and live performance.
The closing ceremony also welcomed several familiar names from film and television, including Pratik Gandhi, Avinash Tiwary, Karishma Tanna, Jaideep Ahlawat, Abhishek Banerjee, Adinath Kothare and Maniesh Paul. Pratik Gandhi described theatre as an “actor’s gym”, underlining how stage performances help artists sharpen their skills and build confidence. The gathering brought together performers from different backgrounds, reflecting the festival’s broad interest in acting across stage, cinema and other forms of storytelling.
Filmmakers and digital creators added another dimension to the celebrations. Amar Kaushik, known for directing Stree, attended the event and spoke about projects including Stree 3 and Mahavatar Narsimha. Comedian and internet personality Samay Raina was also among the notable guests. Their presence demonstrated how the festival has become a meeting point for talent working across different entertainment formats, from mainstream cinema to online comedy. The conversations and interactions offered attendees opportunities to exchange ideas beyond the usual promotional circuit.
The excitement had been building throughout the festival, with earlier appearances by Farah Khan, Badshah, Arjun Kapoor and Aditi Bhatia. Across its 12th edition, Khidkiyaan brought attention back to the importance of theatre as a space for experimentation, collaboration and artistic growth. Organised by Mukesh Chhabra, the event celebrated performers at different stages of their careers while encouraging conversations about the future of storytelling. As the curtain came down on the 2026 edition, the festival left behind a lively reminder that even in an entertainment landscape dominated by screens, the power of performance continues to bring artists and audiences together.
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