Keeping the Magic of Theatre Alive
India’s Timeless Theatre Legacy Since 1885
Preserving 140+ years of mythological theatre, cultural heritage, and magical stage storytelling.
DRAMA
Company
A Legacy of Theatre, Innovation & Community
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.
Mythological Stage Excellence
Family-Driven Cultural Institution
- Pioneers of live special effects in Indian theatre
- Strong influence on Telugu theatre and cinema
Surabhi is not just a theatre group. It is a legacy of art, innovation, values and compassion that continues to inspire generations.
Carrying Forward an Ancestral Legacy
Today, Surabhi is in the capable hands of Mr. Surabhi Vasudeva Rao (7th Gen) and Mr. Jayanand (8th Gen), who is the second son of Vasudeva Rao and Tirumala, a family of Surabhi artists. Jayanand, who started his journey as a child artist in Surabhi, later took over the duty of managing the organization’s everyday operations. For his contributions to drama, Jayanand was awarded the prestigious “Ismail Gonal Prashasthi Puraskar”.
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Performances
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Artists
People Behind the Curtains
President
Surabhi Vasudevarao
Surabhi Vasudevarao Garu is a dedicated theatre artist who has portrayed many powerful roles, including Bala Rama, Lord Shiva, Rajya Lakshman, Lord Krishna, and Narada in traditional dramas. Apart from acting, he is also a talented playback singer, makeup artist, and painter, contributing to the stage in multiple creative ways with devotion and dedication.
Secretary
Surabhi Jayanand
Surabhi Jayanand is an integral part of traditional theatre, bringing life to iconic characters such as Lord Krishna, Bala Rama, Thota Ramudu, Srinivasudu, and Lord Vishnu.
He is also a skilled playback singer making him a multi-talented artist who supports the stage both in front of the audience and behind the scenes.
Live Drama
Cultural Heritage
Mythological Magic
Timeless Tradition
Family Theatre 
Years of
Legacy
Influence Beyond The Stage
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.
✔ The play Sasirekha Parinayam inspired the iconic film Mayabazar.
✔ Veteran Surabhi artists like Krishnaji Rao and Kamalabai were part of Bhakta Prahlada, the first talkie Telugu film.
✔ Surabhi shaped the early years of Telugu theatre and cinema with storytelling, discipline, and technical brilliance.
MAYABAZAR
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+91-8686556631From Stage to Global Screens
Digital Expansion
Bringing Surabhi plays to online and OTT platforms for wider digital reach.
Global Reach
Taking timeless Surabhi stories to audiences across India and around the world.
