At the Science City Auditorium in Kolkata, the Stagecraft Foundation revealed the poster for the eighth edition of the Stagecraft Awards 2025.

The Stagecraft Foundation organizes an annual felicitation to celebrate live stage technicians, who are the essential backbone of every show yet are frequently overlooked.

The unveiling was graced by legendary singer Ms Usha Uthup, Founder Trustee & Chairperson, Stagecraft Foundation, Mr Pramod Grover, Director, Science City, and superstar Face of Stagecraft Awards, Mr Prosenjit Chatterjee, Stagecraft core team members Mr Shiladitya Chaudhury, Mr Dibyendu Shekhor Lahiri, Mr Anil Kuriokose, and Mr Gautam Jain, who jointly revealed the official poster.

Prominent jury members from the corporate and entertainment industries attended a Jury Meet earlier in the day at the Science City Seminar Hall. The panel was led by Ms Usha Uthup, Founder Trustee & Chairperson, Stagecraft Foundation, Mr Tanmoy Bose, Percussionist & Composer, Ms Iman Chakraborty, Singer, Ms Jaya Seal, Dancer & Actress, Mr Jimmy Tangree, Radio Jockey & Media Personality, Ms Sanchita Bhattacharya, Odissi Dancer.                         

Usha Uthup said, “None of us would become a popular icon without the help of the technicians. That is true for me, Prosenjit Chatterjee, and every other performer or actor, or singer. Through this award ceremony, we aim to recognize the works of the technicians and honor them for their services throughout the years. And this year, we have focused on Sholay as we all have learned so much from the film”.

Stagecraft Ke Sholay pays homage to the creativity and illusion that have long enthralled audiences across time and countries by exploring the fascination of human body doubles and lookalikes. The theme explores the changing link between identity, originality, and authenticity in the realm of performance, from royal decoys and theatrical mimics to contemporary impersonators and AI-generated doubles.

Prosenjit Chatterjee said, “I am happy that Usha di could come up with a concept like the Stagecraft Awards. I often think why I could not come across such an idea. However, Didi is so amazing. Once I was in Mumbai, and I went to an event organized for the police force. There, Usha di was performing on the stage, and big names of Bollywood were standing and dancing to her song. It was an amazing moment and I felt so proud”.

The event served as a significant prelude to the Stagecraft Awards 2025, which will take place in Science City Auditorium on Friday, November 21, 2025, starting at 6 p.m.

Priyanka Dutta