Behind the Scenes at The Punyah Theatre
Curation is more than just booking dates and lights; it is about the people, the music, and the beautiful chaos that happens before the curtain rises.
Nothing makes me happier than seeing the audience connect with a performance. Here are some wonderful, honest reactions from the crowd at our "Strictly Under 16" festival.
A powerful shot from behind the performer, capturing the rapt attention of the audience. This connection is why I build these stages. It is all for the community.
Art and humor go hand in hand. This fun video shows how news of the Punyah Dance Festival spreads through the community, creating excitement and anticipation.
Another take on spreading the festival news. The best marketing is word of mouth, and we love to have a little fun with it.
The curiosity of the younger generation is a beautiful thing to see. This short clip captures the innocent intrigue surrounding the festival buzz.
A heartfelt announcement from the Sridevi Natyalaya ensemble, who graciously stepped in to perform at our festival. This is what community is about: supporting each other.
A candid moment with the talented vocalist Raghuram Rajagopalan during a recording session. The musicians are the backbone of our productions.
About this collection
You see the perfect abhinaya on stage, but I promise you, five minutes before, we are likely scrambling to find a lost ghungroo or discussing who is picking up the gulab jamun for the post-show celebration. This is not just about dance; it is about the community and the real, often hilarious, effort behind every show.
When I started Punyah Theatre in Bengaluru, I wanted a space that did not just host performances but felt like a living room for artists. Whether it is our flagship Punyah Dance Festival or intimate studio shows, the goal remains the same: keep it human. We handle the technical load—the lighting rigs, the sound systems, the ticketing on platforms like BookMyShow—so that the focus stays on the art.
You will find us navigating everything from last-minute ensemble changes to the quiet focus of a recording session with musicians like Raghuram Rajagopalan. We invite audiences to step inside this process. It gets busy, stressful, and sometimes we deal with an apashakunam (mishap), but that is the reality of live performance. If you are looking for a venue for your own work or simply want to catch a show where the artist and audience are just a few feet apart, this is where it happens.
Parshwanath Upadhye
I am Parshwanath. I built Punyah Theatre because I got tired of waiting for other people to say yes to my art. I believe in discipline, but I also believe in memes, bad jokes, and making sure everyone—from the lead dancer to the sound tech—has a place to belong.
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