beej Mumbai

I started my jounrye with beej and Sanjukta Wagh in 2016 as a student of Kathak. Sanjukta didi's interdisciplinary approach was refreshing as I felt the need to break out of the mould of a conventional performer. This period with beej and Sanjukta didi was about opening up my mind and body to many possibilities that I had never explored before. I went on to worked with beej as a dancer, Assistant Teacher and core team member. Not only was she able to contribute to the development of beej Garage events and other initiatives for the beej Foundation, she was a key member of their choreographic productions like Nayika Interrupted (2019) and Pascals’ (2020). I performed with beej ensemble at arts festivals like Yokohama Festival (2019) and Nepa International Dance Festival (2019).

Kathak Solo - Teentaal

beej Living Room series 2020

Saavan - Rupak - Megh Malhar

Samarpan 2018

Some projects with beej

Nayika Interrupted

Nayika Interrupted was a piece exploring consent and Kathak as a response to the #MeToo movement.

Image courtesy: Beej Mumbai

Parallel Journeys

Parallel Journeys was an initiative to bring together artists from a diverse range of practises in conversation with another.

The first edition I worked on was with Contemporary Indian artist Astad Deboo and pioneering Manipuri artist Darshana ben Jhaveri in 2019. The second edition I contributed to was with Anita Ratnam and Mallika Sarabhai in 2020 presented in association with Sarmaya India.

Image courtesy: Beej Mumbai

Intensives with Professionals

Intensives with professionals was an annual event with celebrated artists conducting masterclasses for advanced students of Kathak.

I contributed to the edition with Sangeet Natak Awardee Prerana Shrimali in 2019.

Image courtesy: Beej Mumbai

Cross-cultural Conversations

A special event with four artists who have been working across geographical borders and developing a nuanced understanding of their respective dance styles. The panel consisted of Amrita Lahiri (Kuchipudi dancer), Ileana Citaristi (Odissi dancer), Gauri Sharma Tripathi (Kathak) and Vidhya Subramanian (Bharatanatyam). My role was to help organise the event on behalf of beej as well as being the Emcee for the event.

Image courtesy: Beej Mumbai

Gendered Cultures

A panel discussion around #MeToo movement around Kathak dance and Hindustani music cultures moderated by Prof. Gita Chadha with Dr. Parul Shah (MSU), Savitri Medhatul, Sanjukta Wagh and Sneha Gole. I had the honour of introducing each panelists and giving the vote of thanks.

Image courtesy: Beej Mumbai