Conceived and directed by Guru Sindhu Mishra, Nrityadhara 3 showcased the Bharatanatyam bani of Guru K.N. Dandayudhapani Pillai, a tradition known for its rhythmic sophistication, striking visual geometry, and dramatic movement vocabulary. The lineage was transmitted to Sindhu Mishra by her guru, Sri K.N. Dakshinamoorthy, and remains the foundation of her pedagogy and choreography at Aayam, which she established over two decades ago.

The programme opened with an effervescent rendition of a Kriti, Ananda Nartana Ganapatim Bhavaye, performed by senior disciples Apoorva Bhatnagar, Satakshi Gupta, and Vibhooti Bhardwaj, setting a tone of devotion and artistic inquiry. Aayam’s youngest dancers followed with Angikam Bhuvanam, an invocatory shloka introduced to beginners as an offering to Lord Shiva, presented with sincerity and enthusiasm by the little dancers.

Senior disciple Arundhati Chakravarty then brought warmth and emotional depth to Krishna Nee Begane Baro, a beloved composition depicting Yashoda’s search for her mischievous son Krishna. Junior students followed with Mushak Vaahan, a Pushpanjali dedicated to Lord Ganesha, showcasing the young dancers’ enthusiasm and dedication through a combination of nritta and abhinaya.

This was followed by another presentation by the intermediate students- Jatiswaram in Ragamalika set to Misra Chapu tala, foregrounding their command over intricate rhythmic structures and elegant korvais.

Senior disciple Tanusha Tyagi performed beautifully a padam, “तन छार �याल कपाल भूषन,” which is also an unusual excerpt from Ramcharitmanas. It relates an episode from Shiva and Parvati’s wedding celebrations, where the people of Himachal, upon seeing Shiva’s wedding procession, are shocked to see a terrifying band of ghosts, demons, and spirits. Maena, the mother, unwilling to believe that her beautiful daughter is fated to marry such a fiend, attempts to convince Parvati
into abandoning the wedding, to the extent that she is ready to give up her life for it!

The programme was followed with a piece, the well-known Sri Ramchandra Kripalu Bhajamana, which was admirably presented by the beginner batch of adult students. For many of them, this was their first experience on stage as they showcased the diligence with which they had grasped the intricacies of the choreography in a very short time.  The evening concluded with a thillana set to Paras raga and Adi tala, performed by the senior batch of Aayam. The vibrant choreography showcased intricate rhythmic patterns and quick footwork, offering a quintessential visualisation of the Dandayudhapani Pillai bani.

Commenting on the evening, Guru Sindhu Mishra said, “Nrityadhara is not merely a performance, it is a mirror of the learning process itself. When over a hundred students come together on one stage, each at a different point in their journey, what you witness is not just technique but devotion, discipline, and the living continuity of a tradition. The bani of Guru K.N. Dandayudhapani Pillai carries within it a vocabulary that has been shaped over generations, and it is our privilege and responsibility to carry it forward. This evening belongs to every student who has trusted the process and every guru who came before us.”

Nrityadhara 3 stood as a testament to Aayam’s enduring commitment to classical excellence and not merely preserving a tradition, but passing it forward, one dancer at a time.

The post Aayam’s Nrityadhara 3 Features 100+ Dancers in Bharatanatyam at LTG Auditorium appeared first on NRI News.

Known for his distinctive gayaki ang style, where the sitar mirrors the emotion and fluidity of the human voice, Ustaad Shujaat Husain Khan has captivated audiences across the world for decades. His concerts are deeply personal experiences, where each raga unfolds gradually, drawing listeners into moments of stillness and connection.

Experience an evening with Ustaad Shujaat Husain Khan at Phoenix Avenue of Stars, Pune, the city’s premier destination for culture and entertainment.

Event Details

• Date – Friday, 29^th May 2026
• Time – 6.30 pm onwards
• Duration – 2 hours 30 minutes
• Venue – Liberty Square, Phoenix Avenue of Stars
• Category – Indian Classical / Live Concert
• Ticket Price – 500 onwards (https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/ustaad-shujaat-husain-khan-live-in-concert/ET00496803)

The post Experience the Magic of Ustaad Shujaat Husain Khan Live at Phoenix Avenue of Stars appeared first on NRI News.

The first day of the Mahotsav took place on 28th June at the Bal Shikshan Prashala’s MES Auditorium, Mayur Colony Kothrud. The Mahotsav began with ‘Malhar Ke Rang’ wherein Rashmi Moghe, Suranjan Khandalkar, Shubham Khandalkar, Shruti Deshpande-disciple of Padma Deshpande, and Sai Panchal disciple of Pt Sanjeev Abhyankar presented blissful vocals. Pandurang Pawar accompanied them on Tabla and Amey Bichu on Harmonium.

In the second half, internationally acclaimed sitarist Purbayan Chatterjee of the Senia Meher Gharana struck a chord with the audience with his electrifying performance. Purbayan Chatterjee was accompanied by Tanay Rege on Tabla. Rajesh Damle moderated the program.

This year the festival has been supported by Oerlikon Balzers, Suhana, Vilas Javadekar Developers, PNG Jewellers, Lokmanya Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Willow, The Nature, and so on.

The post Swara Malhar Mahotsav Enthralls Audience With Sitar And Vocal Renditions appeared first on NRI News.

PUNE:  Organised by Pune-based Suhana Basant Foundation and Kannada Sangh, the 6th Sitar Nawaz Ustad Bale Khan Sangeet Mahotsav will be held on Saturday 22nd June and Sunday 23rd June 2024, from 4.30 pm onwards at Shakuntala Shetty Auditorium, Dr. Kalmadi Shamrao High School at Erandwane, Pune. Entry for the Mahotsav is free for all on a first come first served basis.

This Mahotsav is organized by famous Sitar player Rais Khan, son of Ustad Bale Khan in memory of his father who significantly contributed to instituting Sitar in south India. Sitar Nawaz Ustad Bale Khan belongs to the Dharwad Gharana and hails from an illustrious family of the Late ’SitarRatna’ Rahimat Khan.  

Speaking about the festival Rais Khan informed that in this 6th edition of the Mahotsav, special honours will be bestowed upon sitar craftsman Haji Ahmed So Abaso and veteran Taal percussionist Mauli Takalkar. Gayatri Devi Patwardhan from the royal family of Miraj, President of Kannada Sangh Kushal Hegde, Vice President Indira Saliyan, Secretary Malti Kalmadi, and other dignitaries will be present on this occasion.

The Mahotsav will kickstart on Saturday 22nd June at 4.30 pm with a performance of ‘Sitar Shashtak’ by the six Khan brothers- Ustad Chhote Rahimat Khan, Rafiqe, Shafiqe, Rais, Hafiz and Mohasin Khan who will be accompanied by Pt. Rajendra Nakod on tabla. The Shashtak will be followed by the felicitation ceremony wherein Sitar craftsman Haji Ahmed So Abaso and veteran percussionist Mauli Takalkar will be honored. The second half of the first day will witness the melodious vocals of Padmashree Pt. Venkatesh Kumar who will be accompanied by Pt. Bharat Kamat on tabla and Pt. Suyog Kundalkar on harmonium.

The second day of the Mahotsav will begin on Sunday 23rd June at 4.30 pm with the vocal rendition of Vidushi Sangeeta Katti – Kulkarni. Sangeeta Katti-Kulkarni is a Hindustani classical singer and also a famous playback singer and composer who is a recipient of the Karnataka State Rajyotsav Award. She will be accompanied by Pt. Bharat Kamat on tabla and Pt. Suyog Kundalkar on harmonium.

This will be followed by a soulful violin performance by Pt. Pravin Sheolikar and Chaitali Sheolikar. They will be accompanied by Pt. Rajendra Nakod on tabla. The festival will conclude with the captivating vocals by Pt. Shounak Abhisheki, son and disciple of legendary Indian classical singer Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki. He will be accompanied by Pt. Bharat Kamat on tabla and Pt. Suyog Kundalkar on harmonium. The two-day festival will be moderated by Anand Deshmukh.

The post Sitar Nawaz Ustad Bale Khan Sangeet Mahotsav On 22nd And 23rd June appeared first on NRI News.

Meher Parlikar, an ITC Sangeet Research Academy Scholar and disciple of Pt Ajoy Chakrabarti will present the traditional Abhang during this program. It will also have a flute recital by Anurag Joshi, a disciple of Pandit Milind Date. The main artists would be accompanied by Ramkrishna Karambelkar (Tabla), Prathamesh Taralkar (Pakhawaj), Atharva Kulkarni (Harmonium ), Suhas Paralikar.(Taal) and Geet Inamdar (Tabla).

The post Indi Musicons Organizes ‘Rise’ Concert This June 21st appeared first on NRI News.

GURUGRAM: Air India, India’s leading global airline, today unveiled ‘Safety Mudras’, the airline’s new inflight safety video that seamlessly blends safety instructions with the kaleidoscope of India’s vibrant culture. Developed in collaboration with the visionary trio of Prasoon Joshi of McCann Worldgroup, Shankar Mahadevan, and Bharatbala, the video is meticulously crafted to engage passengers and showcase the diversity and depth of the Indian culture, while delivering essential safety information.

For centuries, Indian classical dance and folk art forms have served as mediums of storytelling and instruction. Air India’s new inflight safety video integrates safety instructions with mudras or dance expressions in eight diverse dance forms – Bharatnatyam, Bihu, Kathak, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, Ghoomar, and Giddha – from around the country. Each featured dance form presents a specific safety instruction, providing vital information in an engaging and culturally immersive manner.

Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, of Air India, said: “As a flagbearer of the country and a longstanding patron of Indian art and culture, Air India is delighted to present a work of art that is designed to deliver essential safety instructions while showcasing India’s rich cultural diversity to travelers around the world. Our guests will find this inflight safety video to be more immersive and informative, and a warm welcome to India from the moment they step onboard.”

Featuring music composed by Grammy Award-winning music composer and singer Shankar Mahadevan, the video invites passengers to experience a harmonious fusion of safety and culture. This project, spanning approximately six months, involved creators traveling and capturing the essence of India visually through mesmerizing locations across the length and breadth of the country.

Prasoon Joshi, Chairman of McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific, CEO & CCO McCann Worldgroup India; and celebrated writer & lyricist said, “Tasked with the challenge to create a concept that keeps passengers engaged, embodies Indian culture and elevates the Air India brand globally, we went to great lengths to poise the essential and the evocative. Indian classical dance forms have one unique dimension – storytelling. And that is what made me think of the idea of using these Indian dance forms to deliver safety instructions for air travel. I am fortunate that this idea found resonance with the fantastic Air India team. And, with a longtime friend and ever-brilliant Bharatbala who made this thought possible. It’s indeed a matter of pride for McCann to work with Air India.”

Shankar Mahadevan, celebrated Indian music composer and singer said, “I am very happy I got to create the music for the safety instruction video for Air India. With the new chapter of Air India, their safety instruction video too is pathbreaking and very culturally rich. It is a combination of the various dance forms from India – with the dancers demonstrating the safety briefing actions by way of mudras. The music changes as per the dance form as well. Cheers to Air India for creating something that has never been done before, I am very proud to be a part of this.”

Bharatbala, Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter said, “Having previously worked on projects that showcase the cultural diversity of India, this nuanced opportunity from Air India, enabled me to present our timeless classical and folk-art forms with a contemporary vision. We are an ancient country but with a modern outlook. For India’s leading global carrier, Air India, to communicate a safety mandate in this manner brought even more responsibility to me to create a spectacle. Filming across the beautiful landscapes and monuments, giving each dance form its place of pride, is truly an enriching experience. This journey enables the passengers to experience India visually, musically, and emotionally on a grand canvas. This film will be etched as one of my special creations and I hope will be an added feather in the rich legacy of Air India. Welcome on board!”

The safety video will be initially accessible on Air India’s recently introduced A350 aircraft, which is equipped with state-of-the-art inflight entertainment screens. It will be progressively deployed on other aircraft in Air India’s fleet.

The post AIR INDIA LAUNCHES NEW INFLIGHT SAFETY VIDEO CELEBRATING INDIAN CLASSICAL AND FOLK DANCE FORMS appeared first on NRI News.

On July 1st, the program will start at 5:00 pm and will begin with the performance of Bhimanna Jadhav (Sundri). His son Venkatesh Kumar and Dr. Atul Kamble (Tabla) will accompany him. Vidushi Kalpana Zokarkar (Vocal) will perform with Bharat Kamat (Tabla) and Suyog Kundalkar (Harmonium). The first day will conclude with the Sitar recital of Ustad Usman Khan. Pandit Ravindra Yavgal on Tabla.

Sangeet Natak Academy award winners including Ustad Usman Khan, Pandit Vinayak Torvi, Pandit Ravindra Yavgal, Vidhushi Aarti Anklikar Tikekar, and Pandit Uday Bhavalkar will be felicitated at the hands of noted industrialist Dr. Abhay Firodia on the first day of the event. Kannada Sangha trustees including President Kushal Hegde, Secretary Malti Kalmadi, and Vice President Indira saliyan would also be present on the occasion.

Day 2 (July 2nd) will start at 3:30 pm with the performance of renowned vocalist from the Bhendi Bazar Gharana Anuradha Kuberm which will be followed by Pandit Uday Bhavalkar’s Vocal performance. Jugalbandi between Ustad Rafiq Khan (Sitar) and Abhishek Lahiri (Sarod) would take place thereafter. The festival will end with Pandit Vinayak Torvi’s performance.

The post Ustad Bale Khan Music Festival in Pune on July 1st and 2nd appeared first on NRI News.