Get to know us:

Kolahal Theatre Workshop is a Kolkata-based theatre organization dedicated to using the performing arts as a tool for social inclusion, empowerment, rehabilitation, and communityengagement. Registered under the Societies Registration Act (Registration No. S0001757 of 2018–2019), Kolahal is also registered under Paschim Banga Natya Akademi and affiliated with Hindustan Art and Music Society. Over the years, Kolahal has created a unique body of work that brings marginalized and underrepresented communities to the centre stage. Its productions include:

• Bishakto Panchali – with members of the transgender community.

• Jhorafuler Rupkotha – with female sex workers of Kolkata.

• Bewarish – with recovering substance-use survivors.

• Mukhoshtantra – with practitioners of endangered art forms such as Chhau, Raibenshe, Kalaripayattu and others.

• Chup Chap Charlie – with autistic and intellectually disabled children and young adults.

• Pratimurti – with autistic and intellectually disabled young adults.

• Urukku Manush – with autistic and intellectually disabled children.

• Shilar Jinnat – promoting communal harmony and the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (One World, One Family).

• Kala Jadu – with acid attack survivors alongside autistic and intellectually disabled young adults.

Through theatre therapy, performing arts training, awareness initiatives, and rehabilitation programmes, Kolahal continues to create meaningful opportunities for social transformation and inclusion.Several productions of Kolahal Theatre Workshop have received support and funding from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and Paschim Banga Natya Akademi, Government of West Bengal.

Our Leadership Team

Kolahal is guided by a dedicated core committee whose members come from diverseprofessional backgrounds, bringing together expertise in arts, psychology, healthcare, social work, management, and law.

Nigiil Akkaraa – Founder Director Actor, social entrepreneur, theatre therapy advocate, and founder of Kolahal Theatre Workshop. Through his work, he has championed rehabilitation and social inclusion through theatre and creative expression.

Usha John – SecretaryA trained classical dancer with over four decades of experience in the performing arts and mainstream industry.

Sarbani Basu – Treasurer ,A theatre practitioner, anchor, and cultural organizer actively involved in theatre-based social initiatives.

Jayasree Bhattacharjee-Psychologist and elocutionist, contributing to Kolahal's therapeutic and communication-oriented programmes.

Dr. Ruchira Banerjee-Medical professional and Health Advisor, providing guidance on health and wellness initiatives.

Rati Guha-Social activist with more than forty years of experience in community development and social welfare.

Prajna Dutta – Creative Mentor Award-winning music composer, filmmaker, educator, and multidisciplinary artist associated with Kolahaal's creative vision and artistic development.

Core Functional Team

Soumadip Bhattacharjee – Head of Finance & Compliance, with expertise in accounting,

company secretaryship, and law.

Dharma Das – Head Coordinator, overseeing project implementation and operational management.

Baishakhi Sen Majumder – Head of Public Relations & Communication.

Sayantani Mukherjee – Head of Dance & Choreography Department.

Saikat Ghosh – Head of Drama, Acting & Workshops.

Together, they work towards making theatre accessible, inclusive, and transformative, creating a platform where art becomes a catalyst for personal growth, social awareness, and community

empowerment.