Experimental Theatre | July 29, 2026 |
An NCPA Presentation
The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) presents an evening celebrating two distinguished Indian classical dance traditions through Aham Pravahini, a Bharatanatyam production by Shobanaa Bhalchandra & troupe, and Urjataranga, a Kathak performance by Amruta Paranjape & troupe. While Aham Pravahini traces the metaphorical journey of a river through movement and music, Urjataranga explores the rhythmic vitality of Kathak through traditional repertoire and original choreography. Together, the two performances offer audiences an engaging exploration of storytelling, rhythm and expression in Indian classical dance.
Aham Pravahini is inspired by Khalil Gibran’s poem Fear, which reflects on a river’s apprehension as it prepares to merge with the ocean. Presented as a first-person narrative from the river’s perspective, the production journeys back through its many experiences, exploring the landscapes, memories and transformations that have shaped its course. While remaining rooted in the grammar of Bharatanatyam, the production incorporates elements inspired by folk dance and contemporary movement, complemented by an equally diverse musical score composed by Embar Kannan.
Shobanaa Bhalchandra is among the early disciples of the renowned dance duo Shanta and V. P. Dhananjayan and trained in the Kalakshetra style of Bharatanatyam. She further specialised in abhinaya under Kalanidhi Narayanan and has also received professional training in classical music and nattuvangam. Founder of the Tharanginee School of Bharatanatyam in Chennai, she is an empanelled artiste of the ICCR and a Grade ‘A’ artiste of Doordarshan. She has performed extensively at prestigious festivals and sabhas in India and abroad and has created numerous dance productions.
In Urjataranga, Amruta Paranjape presents a performance that celebrates the dynamic interplay of tala, laya and bhava through both traditional Kathak compositions and original choreographies. Alongside intricate rhythmic explorations, the performance draws inspiration from allied Indian classical traditions, including Bharatanatyam, while engaging with concepts such as Ninda Stuti. The evening also revisits traditional forms like hori and chaturang, culminating in an expansive rhythmic composition by Suresh Talwalkar that embodies the energetic spirit at the heart of Urjataranga.
A Kathak dancer and choreographer based in Pune, Amruta Paranjape trained under Shambhavi Dandekar and received advanced instruction in laya-taal from Suresh Talwalkar. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Kathak from Lalit Kala Kendra and a Nrityaalankar from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. A recipient of several honours, including the Pandit Vishnu Digambar Paluskar Award, Pta. Rohini Bhate Puraskar, the Golden Talent Award presented by Birju Maharaj and the Sawai Gandharva Scholarship, she is an empanelled artiste of the ICCR, a Grade ‘B’ artiste of Doordarshan and the founder and artistic director of Abhivyakti School of Kathak, Pune.
Join us to experience an evening that brings together two accomplished artistes and two distinctive choreographic works, offering fresh perspectives on Bharatanatyam and Kathak while remaining rooted in their classical traditions.
Age Recommendation: 6+ | Late entry not permitted
Duration: 2hrs
Tickets
Members: ₹270 & ₹180
Non-Members: ₹300 & ₹200 + GST About The NCPA:
The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai, is India’s premier cultural institution. Inaugurated in 1969, it was the first multi-venue, multi-genre cultural centre in South Asia. The NCPA is committed to preserving and promoting India’s rich and vibrant artistic heritage in the fields of music, dance, theatre, film, literature and photography, as well as presenting new and innovative work by Indian and international artistes from a diverse range of genres including drama, contemporary dance, orchestral concerts, opera, jazz and chamber music. Today, the NCPA hosts more than 700 events each year, making it India’s largest and most holistic performing arts centre.
