Join acclaimed artists Aditi Mangaldas, Aakash Odedra, and Dr. Anita Ratnam for an engaging conversation on the art of dance, exploring the creative journeys, influences, and cross-cultural resonance behind the much-anticipated production of Mehek.
Ahead of the Asia premiere of Mehek at the Grand Theatre, three celebrated voices in dance come together for an intimate and thought-provoking conversation on the many lives of classical movement today. Bringing Kathak virtuoso Aditi Mangaldas, internationally acclaimed dancer and choreographer Aakash Odedra, and dancer, dramaturg and cultural entrepreneur Dr. Anita Ratnam into one shared space, this session opens a rich exchange on craft, collaboration and the evolving language of dance.
Framed in the spirit of a coffee table conversation, the discussion moves between the personal and the artistic, tracing journeys from India to the world and back again, reflecting on the making of Mehek, and exploring how memory, training, music and movement shape a performance.
Critically acclaimed for its power and precision, Mehek has drawn international praise. The Times celebrates the collaboration as “intoxicating… exhilarating… immediately captivating,” while Eastern Eye writes, “Aditi showed why she is rightfully considered one of the greatest of all time, Aakash demonstrated why he is one of the finest British Asian dancers of all time.” The dramaturgy by Karthika Naïr ensures that every gesture is deliberate, measured, and emotionally precise.
From the influence of Padma Vibhushan Dr. Kumudini Lakhia on both Aditi Mangaldas and Aakash Odedra, to the shifting expectations of Indian and international audiences, the conversation considers what ‘classical’ and ‘contemporary’ mean today, and how dance continues to respond to questions of identity, emotion, freedom and change. Warm, insightful and engaging, this is a rare chance to hear three remarkable artists speak openly about the art form they continue to transform.
Event Venue
The Cube, NMACC, The Cube, NMACC, Mumbai, MH, India
INR 450
