This weekend, India's cultural calendar is brimming with diverse performances and exhibitions across its major cities. From a classical dance form presented with a twist in Bengaluru to a Broadway-style epic in Mumbai and a massive collective art show in Delhi, there is something for every art enthusiast.
A Satirical Take on Classical Mohiniyattam
In Bengaluru, dancers Lakshmi Girish and Parvathi Jayaram are set to present a unique performance titled 'Monkey See, Monkey Do, Seetha Says Boo'. This production explores the traditional dance form of Mohiniyattam through a modern and humorous lens. The concept is inspired by the Subhashitha Ratna Bhandagaram and offers a satirical retelling of an encounter between two mischievous monkey wives and Seetha from the epic Ramayana.
What makes this show distinctive is its exploration of the hasya rasa (comic sentiment), which is rarely a focus in Mohiniyattam performances. The artists will be accompanied by evocative live music featuring instruments like the mizhavu, edakka, and flute. The event will take place at the Bangalore International Centre in Domlur 2nd Stage, Bengaluru, on 15 January at 7 PM.
Grand Spectacles: From Mughal Courts to Rock Legends
Meanwhile, in Mumbai, the acclaimed musical 'Mughal-E-Azam' makes a grand return to the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC). Directed by Feroz Abbas Khan and choreographed by Mayuri Upadhya, this Broadway-style production is based on K. Asif's iconic 1960 film. It narrates the timeless love story of Prince Salim and Anarkali.
The three-hour-long spectacle, which premiered in 2016, features original songs from the movie and boasts of 550 elaborate costumes designed by Manish Malhotra. The show will run at The Grand Theatre, NMACC, Mumbai, till 26 January, with daily performances at 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM.
For rock music fans in Bengaluru, the Dire Straits Legacy (DSL) band is ready to deliver a nostalgic night. The group comprises former members and collaborators of the legendary British rock band Dire Straits, including Alan Clark, Danny Cummings, Marco Caviglia, Phil Palmer, and Mel Collins. Their concert will feature iconic hits like 'Money for Nothing', 'Sultans of Swing', and 'Brothers in Arms'. Catch them live at the Indiranagar Club, HAL 2nd Stage, on 14 January at 7:30 PM.
Festive Feasts and Collective Art in the Capital
In Delhi, the harvest festival of Lohri is being celebrated with a special culinary spread. Loya at the Taj Palace has curated a festive menu that includes classics such as Sarson da Saag with Challi ki Roti, Kadam Gosht, Rye Wala Murg, Gud Wale Chawal, and Gajrela. The menu is available for both lunch and dinner until the festival concludes.
Art lovers in the capital can immerse themselves in the 20th edition of the Collage International Art Carnival at the Lalit Kala Akademi in Mandi House. Curated by Ashwani Kumar Prithviwasi on the theme 'collective energy', this event brings together over 800 artists and students from across the world. The exhibition will display a wide range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, installations, and digital art. It is open to the public from 13 to 18 January, between 11 AM and 7 PM.
This week offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, highlighting both India's deep-rooted traditional arts and its vibrant contemporary and global influences. Whether it's dance, music, theatre, food, or visual arts, audiences in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi have multiple reasons to step out and engage with the creative world.
