Archive · 12 Dec 2025
Kestopur Group Offers Free Theatre Training to Children
In Kolkata, there's a special place called Eso Natok Sikhi where kids can learn theatre for free.
A kind man named Tapas Das runs this place in his big house.
He teaches over 130 children, from ages 5 to 15, how to act, manage lights, sound, and even set up stages.
Every Sunday, kids come to practice and perform.
They do so many shows—69 in one year!—because they keep costs low by doing everything themselves.
Some kids from this group have even acted in movies and TV shows.
Tapas Das wants all kids to be happy and learn while they perform.
He even covers travel expenses for kids who go to perform outside the city.
It's a place where kids from different backgrounds can come together and learn the art of theatre.
Eso Natok Sikhi is a free children's theatre group in Kestopur, Kolkata, founded by Tapas Das.
The group has 130 students aged 5-15 and stages 69 shows annually.
Das teaches all aspects of theatre, reducing the need for external help.
The group has performed in Nepal and covers travel expenses for participating children.
Alumni have appeared in films and TV shows, crediting their theatre training for their success.
- Who
- Tapas Das and 130 children aged 5-15
- What
- Free theatre training and performances
- When
- Ongoing, with 69 shows in 2024-25
- Where
- Kestopur, Kolkata
- Why
- To engage children in constructive activities and provide free theatre education
- Founder
- Tapas Das
- Location
- Kestopur, Kolkata
- Number of Students
- 130
- Annual Shows
- 69 shows of 20 productions in 2024-25
- Age Range
- 5 to 15 years
- Notable Alumni
- Tapamoy Deb, Abhinav Barua, Sneha Bhattacharya
- First Festival
- Kolkata International Children’s Theatre Festival (2018)