Jugalbandi Performances: Collaborative Kathak & Classical Duets
Exploring the dialogue between Kathak and other classical traditions. My collaborations are a rhythmic exchange, blending technical precision with storytelling.
A moment from 'Dual Margam 3', a curated show where I performed alongside Bharatanatyam artist Parshwanath Upadhye. We each presented our solo work and then came together for a collaborative piece.
A 'sum to sum' relay with my dear friend and fellow dancer, Sattvasarita. This kind of playful exchange is common in Kathak, where dancers complete each other's rhythmic phrases.
A throwback to sharing the stage with the legendary music duo Salim and Sulaiman Merchant at the Lawrence Olivier Awards in London. This was for the musical 'Beyond Bollywood', a fantastic fusion of Indian dance and theatre.
A moment from our duet 'Raag Raagini' on Mahashivratri. Here, Parshwanath Upadhye and I are performing a Natesh Kautvam, a piece that invokes Lord Shiva, the cosmic dancer.
Some fun after a long rehearsal for 'Raag Raagini'. Here, Parshwanath Upadhye is singing the raag 'Puriya Dhanashree' while I capture the moment. The camaraderie behind the scenes is just as important as the performance.
In 'Raag Raagini', we explored the short story 'Phoolwali' through a blend of Kathak and Bharatanatyam abhinaya. This emotional piece showcases the storytelling power of both dance forms.
It was fun to choreograph a Kathak sequence to a Carnatic jati composed by Satish Krishnamurthy for 'Raag Raagini'. It was an enriching experience to see how Hindustani and Carnatic rhythm systems can interact.
Coming soon to Bangalore. A teaser for 'Raag Raagini', my duet production with Parshwanath Upadhye, where Kathak and Bharatanatyam meet.
Performing 'Raag Raagini' to a sold-out show at the prestigious Tata Theatre, NCPA. The energy from a full house is incredible and fuels our performance.
A bow to the wonderful audience at the Tata Theatre after our performance of 'Raag Raagini'. We are humbled by the appreciation for our collaborative work.
About Collaborations: The Art of Jugalbandi
When I collaborate with artists like Parshwanath Upadhye, it goes beyond just sharing a stage. We spend hours dissecting rhythmic patterns, finding the common ground where my Kathak footwork meets his Bharatanatyam jati structures. It is a constant game of sawal-jawab, or call-and-response, where every movement we make is a direct reaction to the other dancer’s rhythm.
Collaborations are where I really challenge myself. My recent project, Raag Raagini, was not just a performance, it was a rhythmic conversation between Kathak and Bharatanatyam. Working with Parshwanath Upadhye required us to bridge two distinct grammar systems. We had to synchronize the sharp, vertical lines of Bharatanatyam with the fluid, circular chakkars and complex footwork of Kathak.
We spent weeks in the studio, not just rehearsing, but rearranging musical compositions to fit both styles. We had to ensure that when we performed a Natesh Kautvam or interpreted a thumri, we were not just dancing side-by-side but genuinely reacting to one another’s musical cues. For corporate events or cultural festivals looking for something beyond a standard solo, these jugalbandi performances bring a unique narrative tension. It is a dialogue, one that is unpredictable and deeply rooted in the respect we hold for each other's discipline. If you are looking to curate an event that needs a distinct, high-energy classical fusion, let us talk about the logistics of bringing this collaboration to your stage.
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