Immerse in these two cultural performances in Mumbai this week

Dr Sadanam K Harikumar

Audiences at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) will get an opportunity to experience two distinct classical dance forms on July 18 as Shoorpanakhankam - A Novel Interpretation and Taal Vani present contrasting yet complementary performances rooted in Indian heritage.

Neha Banerjee and Taufiq Qureshi at a previous perfomance in Chennai

While the former presented by Dr Sadanam K Harikumar, reimagines the story of Shoorpanakha through the expressive language of Kathakali, Taal Vani shifts the focus to rhythm, bringing together Kathak, djembe and live improvisation. Conceived by Kathak exponent Neha Banerjee, it replaces Kathak's traditional tabla accompaniment with internationally renowned percussionist Taufiq Qureshi's djembe, creating a dialogue between classical dance and contemporary percussion.

(From left) Vivek Mishra, Neha Banerjee, Taufiq Qureshi rehearse a performance of Taal Vani. PICS COURTESY/Neha Banerjee; NCPA

"Taufiq's grounding in Indian classical rhythm allows us to create something fresh while remaining true to tradition," says Banerjee. The performance also brings together artistes from different artistic lineages. Banerjee represents the Lucknow Gharana, while Vishal Krishna draws from the Banaras Gharana, with Qureshi adding his distinctive percussive vocabulary. "It becomes a beautiful conversation between the three gharanas through rhythm," she says.

Vishal Krishna

For Banerjee, innovation does not come at the cost of taking the traditional route. "The younger generation enjoys speed and intricate rhythms, but we have not tampered with our traditional values. We've simply found a way to present them that connects with audiences today," she says. For viewers, the evening also offers a rare chance to witness both Kathakali and Kathak back-to-back, highlighting the diversity of India's classical dance traditions.

ON July 18; 5 pm onwards
AT Experimental Theatre, National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Nariman Point.
LOG ON TO @ncpamumbai
ENTRY Rs 180 onwards (members), Rs 200 onwards (non-members)