For veteran actor Yashpal Sharma, the stage has always been sacred—but this weekend at the Khidkiyaan Theatre Festival 2025, it became something even more personal. As Sharma addressed the media on the opening day of the three-day cultural celebration, he said with a warm smile, “Today, I’m not just an actor—I’m a proud father. My son is performing in a play, and I’m lucky I get to be here to watch it.” And just like that, the spotlight shifted—not just to the plays, but to the legacy of passion, performance, and passing the torch.
Organized by the Mukesh Chhabra Casting Company, the 8th edition of Khidkiyaan is being held at Sathaye College in Vile Parle, and Sharma's presence on opening day wasn’t a surprise—he’s been a part of the festival since its very first edition. “It’s funny,” he shared, “when Mukesh started his casting journey, his first film was Gangs of Wasseypur, and I was in it. Then when he started Khidkiyaan eight years ago, I did a play there. And now, I’m here again—with my son in the cast. Feels like a beautiful circle.”
The play in question is Jab Sheher Hamara Sota Hai, written by Piyush Mishra and directed by Hemanth Pandey—a piece exploring the silent, sleeping soul of a chaotic city. Sharma’s son plays one of the central characters, and the proud father revealed that the team had been rehearsing for over a month and a half, investing time, sweat, and soul into the performance. “We had such a blast preparing,” he added, “not just because of the work, but because of the people. It’s a reunion of creativity—celebrities, newcomers, and common people—all working for the love of theatre.”
Aside from Jab Sheher Hamara Sota Hai, the festival features two other original productions: Sab Thaath Pada Reh Jayega by Indu Sharma, and Main Bhi Bacchhan by Mahadev Singh Lakhawat. With a vibrant guest list including Piyush Mishra, Hansal Mehta, Tamannaah Bhatia, Vijay Varma, Raftaar, Mrunal Thakur, Sunil Grover, Karishma Tanna, and Tejasswi Prakash, the Khidkiyaan stage is set for a weekend that blends stardust with raw stage energy.
But even amidst the glitz and powerful performances, it was Sharma’s heartfelt reflection that lingered: a veteran performer watching his child take the stage, not just as a mentor but as an admiring father in the audience. At a festival built on stories, this was perhaps the most touching one of all.