Celebrating 140+ years of mythological theatre, magical stagecraft and India's living cultural heritage.
Preserving the rich legacy of Surabhi theatre through live stage performances and artistic storytelling.
Bringing Surabhi plays to modern digital platforms and global audiences through innovation and technology.
Drama
Company

Surabhi is one of the oldest and most popular theatrical groups in India. It was founded in by Vanarasa Govindarao and Vanarasa Chinna Ramaiah in 1885 in the Sorugu village of Andhra Pradesh. The village later came to be known as Surabhi, owing to the popularity of the organization. The founding members of the Surabhi organization came from humble agrarian families who were puppet show performers. They gradually transitioned into performing live dramas in the surrounding villages. Early Surabhi dramas like Keechaka Vadha were performed on simple tree platforms (Rachabanda), with sarees used as stage curtains, and charcoal and lime for makeup. What started as such occasional performances gradually evolved into a hereditary, family-run theatre group that blended art, livelihood, and community into one living institution. The collective, family-oriented model of the group meant that men, women, and children from the same households worked together, removing rigid hierarchies and fostering a cooperative economic structure.

Years of
Legacy
Surabhi’s influence extended far beyond the theatre stage, shaping the evolution of Telugu cinema and cultural storytelling. Through legendary productions, iconic artists, and innovative stagecraft, Surabhi became a foundation for generations of performers, filmmakers, and audiences alike.


Bringing Surabhi plays to online and OTT platforms for wider digital reach.
Taking timeless Surabhi stories to audiences across India and around the world.

For over a century, Surabhi has preserved India's rich theatrical traditions through extraordinary performances, innovation, and cultural excellence.