Delhi, India 2025: The Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META), instituted by the Mahindra Group, produced by Teamwork Arts and India’s most definitive awards for recognising theatrical excellence, turns twenty-one in 2026. The META Secretariat is ready to receive plays for entries at the next edition of META, scheduled to be held from 19th to 25th March 2026 in New Delhi. Submissions will be accepted between 1st August 2025 and 15th January 2026. META 2026 will return to the iconic Kamani Auditorium and Shri Ram Centre, long-time venues that have hosted some of its most memorable performances.
Over the past two decades, META has brought together a wide range of productions — from solo acts to large ensemble performances — across languages, forms, and themes. Each year, ten productions are selected from hundreds of entries to be staged live in Delhi. These are then evaluated by a national jury, with the festival culminating in an Awards Night that honours excellence across 14 award categories and a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Submission Details:
- Deadline: 15th January 2026
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- Eligibility Criteria: Plays performed in India between 1st January 2021 to 15th January 2026 are eligible. For more information, visit: https://metawards.com/application-2026
- Categories include:
Best Production, Best Director, Best Stage Design, Best Light Design, Best Sound Design, Best Music Design, Best Costume Design, Best Choreography, Best Actor in a Lead Role (Male), Best Actor in a Lead Role (Female), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female), Best Original Script, and Best Ensemble. - How to Apply: Visit the official META website for full guidelines and the submission form. To access the application with the link below: https://metawards.com/registration#/addApplications
About META:
The Mahindra Excellence In Theatre Awards (Meta) is Indian theatre’s most venerated and esteemed recognition, continuing to set benchmarks in excellence in every aspect of stagecraft.
Over the years, META has given voice to diverse themes ranging from contemporary and pressing social issues, mythology, religion, gender, caste, politics, and classics, through the plays it has showcased. META aims to increase awareness and appreciation of Indian theatre and is the only national arena for recognising and rewarding the country’s best productions and theatre-practitioners. Out of over 400 plays received every year, 10 are nominated to be staged over a week in Delhi and vie for the coveted awards. The Awards Night is awaited across theatre communities in the country, when awards in 13 categories (this year onwards, in 14 categories) and a Lifetime Achievement Award are given out. Over its 20 glorious years, META has represented plays and artists from every corner of the nation. It is with the same legacy of inclusivity and representation that META entered its 20th year with the shortlisted plays in 6 languages, including Hindi, English, Bundeli, Kannada, Bengali, and Malayalam. META hosted over 156 artists in a grandiose festival celebrating their talents in multiple avenues of stagecraft, from phenomenal acting, elaborate set designs, myriad original scripts, and ravishing costume designs. META, instituted by the Mahindra Group, has become more than just an awards ceremony, growing into the most significant celebration of Indian theatre in all its glory.From script to stage, META recognises and honours every facet of theatrical brilliance, from playwrights to performers, directors to designers. Going into its 21st year, META reaffirms its dedication to nurturing and promoting the diverse voices and talents that define Indian theatre.
To apply and learn more, visit [https://metawards.com/]
