Odissi exponent Sanchita Bhattacharya is set to present Yodhini, a dance theatre production celebrating the courage and sacrifices of India's women freedom fighters, at NABC 2026 in New York. Premiering in July at the Westchester County Centre, the large-scale production will feature more than 140 dance gurus, performers, and students from across the United States.
Conceived, choreographed, and directed by Sanchita, the program combines dance, theatre, live music, narration, martial arts traditions, and multimedia storytelling to recreate inspiring chapters from India's freedom movement. The production highlights the lives of iconic figures including Rani Lakshmibai, Begum Hazrat Mahal, Velu Nachiyar, Sister Nivedita, Sarojini Naidu, Pritilata Waddedar, Matangini Hazra, Bhikaji Cama, and the women of the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, among others. Sanchita herself will portray Rani Lakshmibai.
Featuring original music by Padma Shri Tarun Bhattacharya and a script by her, Rwitti Roy, and Dipanjan Baksh, the production aims to pay tribute to the often-unsung heroines of India's independence struggle. The performance will culminate with a grand rendition of Vande Mataram, celebrating the enduring legacy of the women whose contributions helped shape the nation.
