Indira Kadambi & Vaidehi Parashurami@NCPA

Varsha Rithu – The Monsoon
Bharatanatyam by Indira Kadambi & Ambalam Ensemble
Kathopkathan-Kathak by Vaidehi Parashurami & troupe

An NCPA Presentation

A brilliant performer and a sensitive, innovative and intelligent choreographer, Indira Kadambi has carved a niche for herself as an exponent of Bharatanatyam. She has been honoured with the Natya Shanthala Award from the Aryabhatta Cultural Association (Bengaluru), Senior Dancer Award from Natyarangam, Narada Gana Sabha (Chennai), and Nrithya Kala Sagara from Bhairavi Fine Arts (Cleveland), among others. She is a graded artiste of Doordarshan and also an empanelled artiste of the ICCR.

Just as the thirsty traveller pines for water, the parched earth yearns for the sky pregnant with rain. Varsha Rithu – The Monsoon arrives, bringing hope and fulfilment. Songs and tears of joy welcome the rains. Ancient wisdom flows like rain; life moves in cycles—the play of prakriti and purusha, their eternal, interconnected universe. Revel in this moment of madness, when the music of the monsoon, the dance of the rain overwhelm our hearts and the soil.

Kathopkathan is an immersive exploration of the historical dialogue between the timeless discipline of Kathak and the evolving lens of Indian Cinema.

This production traces the journey of traditional elements-the rigourous Tatkaar (footwork), the sculptural Ang-Shuddhi (body posture), and the evocative Abhinaya-as they were reimagined for the celluloid frame. From the lightning fast Chakkars popularised by Nataraj Gopi Krishna to the subtle Gat-Bhaav immortalised by the Lucknow Masters, this show illustrates how cinematic storytelling adopted the classical “Katha” (story) format. Experience a curated dialogue that showcases how the intricate Tukras and Tihayis of the classical stage, were meticulously woven into the fabric of India’s most iconic film songs.

This production brings to life the technical contributions of maestros like Nataraj Gopi Krishna, Sitara Devi, Lachhu Maharaj, Kumudini Lakhia, and Pandit Birju Maharaj, demonstrating how the translated the spiritual depth of Kathak into a visual language for the masses. By dissecting, the traditional roots found within cinematic masterpieces, Kathopkathan reveals that the “dialogue” between Kathak and cinema is not just one of influence, but of an eternal, shared heritage.

By honouring the maestros to bridge this to voice, we witness, how the classical grammar of the Gharanas became the foundational heartbeat of Indian film songs, ensuring that even in the age of spectacle, the soul of the dance remains rooted in tradition.

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