The legacy of Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana continues to thrive at his alma mater, where the theatre club he founded during his college days keeps achieving remarkable success. Agaaz, the dramatic society established by Khurrana at DAV College in Chandigarh, has evolved into a cultural powerhouse that consistently produces award-winning performances and nurtures emerging talent.
From College Club to Cultural Institution
What began as a first-year student's passion project has transformed into an institution that has launched numerous careers in the entertainment industry. The same drama room where Ayushmann Khurrana once rehearsed his lines and where Yami Gautam took her early bows now echoes with the creative energy of new generations discovering that theatre represents both an art form and a way of life.
This year, Agaaz demonstrated its exceptional talent at the prestigious Panjab University Youth Festival, where students secured multiple awards across theatre and fine arts categories. The club's continued success proves that its founding principles of creative expression and artistic excellence remain stronger than ever.
Award-Winning Performances That Spoke Volumes
The club's mime act, titled The Power of Silence, earned third prize by tackling contemporary issues with profound emotional depth. The performance revisited the tragic 2025 Pahalgam attack while drawing connections to the emotional resonance of the India-Pakistan cricket match that followed. In a powerful imaginary scenario, players refused to accept a trophy from a Pakistani minister as a tribute to the victims.
"Charlie Chaplin did it for years. It's about the body, not the voice," explained performer Arshdeep Singh, who emphasized the physical demands of silent performance. The dedication of the troupe was undeniable - they continued rehearsing through injuries and even hospital visits, driven by the conviction that "You can't speak, but your body must never go silent."
In the one-act play category, DAV College secured second prize for their production focusing on mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan. The play, written by local scriptwriter Shivan Dhal and inspired by The Man Who Knew Infinity, brought attention to India's own scientific hero.
"We always talk about Einstein or Newton but rarely about Ramanujan," noted club vice president Nimar Kaur. "He was India's own genius, guided by his Kuldevi Namagiri Thayar." The group maintained a special pre-performance ritual of gathering in a circle to chant "Nishchay Kar Apni Jeet Karo," reinforcing their collective resolve and camaraderie.
Creative Excellence Across Multiple Disciplines
The satirical skit Animal Park, directed by Nishant Dogra, claimed first prize for its spirited commentary on animal cruelty. "We thought stronger issues would make better theatre, but animals can't speak for themselves," Nishant explained. The performance featured a comic love story between a gorilla and a monkey that had the audience roaring with laughter, while the closing line - "No animal has been harmed in this play" - delivered a sharp critique of human hypocrisy.
In mimicry, Akhil Baluni secured first prize with an impressive range that spanned from Sanjay Dutt to Gulshan Grover. "It's not just about copying a voice, it's about capturing a soul," he revealed. After experiencing stage fright the previous year, Akhil rebuilt his act around character arcs, resulting in non-stop applause from the audience.
The artistic talents of Agaaz members also shone brightly in fine arts competitions:
- First prize in collage making for Old Punjab, which evoked nostalgia through muted tones and shadow play
- Second place for Shivam's Cultural Harmony Rangoli, created without tools after a last-minute rule change
- Third prize for installation artists Anant and Jatin's portrayal of Mother Earth's journey from creation to devastation
Through decades of creative output, Agaaz has maintained its position as more than just a college club. It serves as a launchpad for storytellers who transform observation into art, from stage productions like Question Mark based on Pash's poetry to short films addressing caste discrimination and mental health awareness. The voice that Ayushmann Khurrana helped establish continues to grow louder with each passing year.
