Surabhi also known as Sri Venkateswara Natya Mandali is a family theatre group based in Hyderabad. The group performs plays based on stories from Hindu mythology and the Puranas.The Surabhi theatre is unique in its style when compared to other theatre companies. It’s a genre on its own. Its visual and special effects makes it stand out from the rest. A lot of importance is given to the sets, lighting and special effects.

The Surabhi theatre took its roots in the village called Surabhi (originally called Sorugu) in the Kadapa district of AP in the year 1885. Till then their ancestors were into the art of Tholu Bommalatta. In the year 1885, they were invited to host a live drama by the village elders of Surabhi on the occasion of a wedding. Their ancestors transformed the play ‘Keechaka Vadham’ which was till then depicted using leather puppets, to a live drama. That was the beginning of the theatre movement and family settled down in Surabhi. And that’s how the drama company came to be known as Surabhi Natakalu Company.

The legacy of Sri Venkateswara Natya Mandali (Surabhi) began in 1937 on Vinayaka chaviti in the village called “Gimidi Peta” of Srikakulam Dist. Sri Vanarasa Govindarao, Founder of Surabhi Theatres, had a big family of 3 sons and 10 daughters. The Fifth daughter, Smt. Subhadramma and her husband Sri R. Venkatarao established Sri Venkateshwara Natya Mandali (Surabhi) and its being carried forward by Mr. Surabhi Rekander Nageswara Rao.
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Sri Venkateswara Natya Mandali (Surabhi) is performing at several National and International theatre festivals. In May 2013, the group played outside India for the first time, with performances at theatre festivals in Paris and Metz. The group celebrated its diamond jubilee in October 2013. The Government of India honoured the Director of Surabhi Mr. R.Nageswara Rao with Padma Shri in 2013.
