Bharatanatyam Fusion and Collaborative Dance Productions
Dance doesn't have to exist in a silo. I love breaking the boundaries of Bharatanatyam by collaborating with Kathak, Yakshagana, and other forms to create something entirely new.
A teaser for 'Raag Raagini', my duet with Kathak artist Pooja Pant. This video shows the beautiful fusion of Bharatanatyam and Kathak, two distinct yet harmonious dance forms.
A moment of connection in 'Raag Raagini'. The performance is a dialogue between two dance forms, exploring their similarities and differences.
A playful interaction with Pooja Pant during our 'Raag Raagini' duet. The performance is not just about technique, but also about the chemistry between the artists.
A graceful moment from 'Raag Raagini'. The swirling costume of Kathak and the structured form of Bharatanatyam create a beautiful visual contrast.
A pose of perfect balance and symmetry from 'Raag Raagini'. This showcases the harmony we create by blending two classical Indian dance styles.
An expressive moment from 'Raag Raagini'. Our interactions tell a story, creating a narrative that combines the strengths of both Kathak and Bharatanatyam.
A tender moment from 'Raag Raagini', where the two dance forms come together in a story of love and connection.
About this collection
When I collaborate with artists like Pooja Pant or Keremane Shridhara Hegde, it is not just about performing on stage. It involves weeks of rhythmic negotiation, finding where the heavy footwork of Bharatanatyam meets the fluid spins of Kathak, and laughing through the clumsy mistakes before we finally find our shared language.
True collaboration is about friction. In my work, I do not look for dancers who simply mimic my style. I look for artists who challenge it.
Take 'Raag Raagini,' my duet with Kathak exponent Pooja Pant. We spent hours in the studio arguing about the rhythmic pulse, testing how a Carnatic violinist would react to a Tabla player, and learning to respect the distinct space each form occupies. It was not about one style dominating the other, but about creating a third, shared space where both could breathe.
Then there is 'Tyāg,' where I ventured into the world of Yakshagana. This was entirely different. Yakshagana has its own gravity, its own costumes, and its own way of storytelling. Bringing that into a contemporary frame meant unlearning some of my own training to make room for new vocabulary.
These projects require more than just technical skill. They require a live ensemble that is willing to experiment, lighting that can handle two distinct aesthetic worlds, and the humility to be a student again. If you are looking for a performance that moves beyond the traditional solo recital, these collaborative works are where you will find the most energy and dialogue.
Parshwanath Upadhye
I am Parshwanath. I do not believe in staying within the lines, and these collaborations are my way of stretching what Bharatanatyam can do. I love the friction, the dialogue, and the sheer joy of figuring out a new language with other artists.
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