Bharatanatyam Festival Performances and Artistic Collaborations
I bring ancient mythological narratives to the stage through research-led Bharatanatyam performances, often in collaboration with other artists and cultural platforms.
The poster for the Suvarna Festival 2025, where I was thrilled to open the event with a painting exhibition alongside two other artists of repute. The festival was a wonderful celebration of dance, art, and music.
A promotional video for my back-to-back performances of "Shikhandi" and "The Abandoned Gopi" in Chennai, presented by The Indian Fine Arts Society. It was a pleasure to present these two rare tales from Kurukshetra and Vrindavan.
A video announcing "Antardweep," a brand new duet premiered at the NCPA, Mumbai. Collaborating with Dr. Prachi Jariwala, we explored our ancient temples as monuments that hint towards finding divinity within.
A teaser for "UNMASKED," a fantastic production by the Jyotsna Shourie Dance Society, performed at the Royal Opera House, Mumbai. I was glad to be a part of this production, which offered a new outlook on the epic Ramayana.
A moment from the Delhi Literature Festival 2024. Performing in the chilling Delhi winter to a warm and receptive audience was a blessing, especially with the event being moderated by veteran artist Dr. Rama Pandey.
Performing at the Delhi Literature Festival, with the audience, including many students, responding with warmth and appreciation. It was a fulfilling experience to connect literature and dance at such a wonderful event.
On stage with Dr. Rama Pandey at the Delhi Literature Festival. Her moderation and insights into my work "Shikhandi" added immense value to the presentation.
A video celebrating the theme "ROOTS" for the 40th Natyakala Conference, curated by my guru Smt. Rama Vaidyanathan. Our cultural traditions are the roots that give strength and nutrition to the blooms of the future.
About Festival Performances & Collaborations
When I step onto a stage at a festival like the NCPA or the Delhi Literature Festival, the performance is never just a recital. It is the culmination of deep research into narratives, like the nuances of Shikhandi or the symbolism of ancient temples. These are not just dance steps; they are attempts to bridge the scholarly world of shastras with the intuitive world of the performer, tailored to resonate with the rasikas of today.
My approach to festival programming and collaborations is rooted in a simple philosophy: art must start a conversation. Whether I am sharing the stage with a fellow artist like Dr. Prachi Jariwala in a duet like Antardweep, or presenting a solo narrative at the Delhi Literature Festival, the goal remains the same. I aim to strip away the performative layers and uncover the truth of the story.
Collaboration for me is a dialogue. When I work with other dancers or even authors and thinkers, we are trying to see if Bharatanatyam can hold the weight of complex modern interpretations of ancient epics. For instance, my involvement in productions like UNMASKED allows me to challenge the traditional portrayal of characters from the Ramayana, inviting the audience to look past the mask.
These stage experiences also serve as a laboratory. The rasikas, or the connoisseurs in the audience, are essential to this process. Their reaction in the auditorium informs how I refine the abhinaya, or expressions, and the storytelling for the next show. If you are a festival curator, a cultural institution, or a fellow artist looking for a thematic exploration that respects the classical tradition while engaging with contemporary thought, let us start a conversation.
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