Beyond Performance – Dr. Anonna Guha on Service Through Art

A dynamic performer, choreographer, and teacher closely associated with the renowned institution Nrityanjali is Dr Anonna Guha, who is trained in Kathak, she brings together grace, depth, and expression in her performances while also excelling in theatre and stagecraft. Beyond the stage, she contributes actively to Nrityanjali’s social projects, particularly in empowering underprivileged children through education and cultural initiatives. As a key artiste, she has performed in acclaimed productions like Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, leaving audiences deeply touched and inspired. Carrying forward the legacy of her Guru Dr. Tushar Guha, she embodies the perfect balance of artistry, discipline, and service. Excerpts from her interview:

Tell us more about your recent show Chaitanya Mahaprabhu?

Nrityanjali is not just an institution of performing arts, but also an NGO deeply committed to education, personality development, and social services. For six decades, we have been involved in various socio-educational ventures. In 2022, we initiated the Unnat Yuvati Project—a programme for the girl child that imparts free lessons in spoken English and computer literacy to 150 underprivileged girls of Std. 8th & 9th, along with providing them nutritious snacks. By 2025, the project completes three successful years.

This year, we decided to extend the same initiative to the boy child as well—an idea close to the heart of our Guru Dr. Tushar Guha, who has championed the cause for over 20 years. To support this, we organised two fundraising programmes. The programme began with an invocation—Prem Bhakti Dance on Kavi Nazrul Islam’s composition, performed by me and Mr. Girish Dalvi. This was followed by a 30-minute solo Kathak recital by the brilliant Aditi Bhagwat, and finally the 88-minute dance drama Chaitanya Mahaprabhu—a soul-stirring journey of love, faith, and enlightenment.

How did the theme of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu come about?

Our Guru, Dr. Tushar Guha, grew up in a deeply spiritual environment where lessons on Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Buddha, and Chaitanya were a part of daily life. The thought of bringing Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to the stage stayed with him for 23 years before it was finally realised in 2005. Since then, Nrityanjali has performed it 22 times across Mumbai, Kolkata, and even in Nabadweep—the birthplace of Chaitanya.

The script is based on authenticated texts like Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita and Shri Shri Prema Dhama Deva Stotram, and was approved by His Holiness Tridandi Swami Shri Bhaktivedanta Narayan of Shri Keshavji Gaudiya Math.

How was the team for the show selected?

Nrityanjali has nurtured students for decades through Sunday classes that cover drama, dance, vocal, compere, and stagecraft. Many of our artistes have been with us for over 30 years. This long-standing bond made it natural to select the team.

How does it feel to create a new dance drama each time?

It is always pure joy. The entire process—from research, writing the script and commentary, designing costumes and sets, to rehearsals and final performance—is an adventure in creativity. Currently, we are also working on two new productions, one socio-cultural-political and another spiritual.

We are also reviving Geet Ramayan by Shri Sudhir Phadke and Ga Di Ma—a production we first staged in 2005 before an audience of 42,000. We presented a shorter version in 2020 at Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, and now plan to perform a full two-hour version again.

Who would you like to give credit to for Chaitanya Mahaprabhu?

It takes a village, and this production is a collective labour of love. Concept, Script, Direction & Choreography by Dr. Tushar Guha, for music composition we had Padma Shri Pt. Ronu Majumdar, research and compilation was by Dr. Tushar Guha and Late Shri Sandeep Chakrabarty, costume and stage design was taken care by Shri Subodh Poddar, on lights we had Late Shri Swadhin Dey, now Shri Ganpat and for arranger and percussion was Shri Durga Prasad Majumdar.

How was the response to the show? And what are the future plans?

The response has always been overwhelming. People cried in ecstasy, chanting Haribol with us. Many came backstage with tears in their eyes, expressing reverence. Even after leaving the auditorium, audiences continued chanting. It was deeply humbling and fulfilling. Honestly commercially, such productions are never lucrative. We do it for inner joy and the blessings we receive through the art. We are seeking avenues and opportunities to take this dance drama further.

Congratulations, Nrityanjali now has a road named after it in Mumbai. How does it feel?

It is a very humbling recognition. Nrityanjali Marg in Bhandup is a tribute to the institute’s impact on arts and education. It reflects respect for decades of work in dance, drama, music, and personality development. More than just a road, it is a symbol of our integration into Mumbai’s cultural and civic fabric. For us, it is both an honour and a responsibility to continue serving society through art and education.

Sandip Soparrkar holds a doctorate in world mythology folklore from Pacific University USA, an honorary doctorate in performing arts from the National American University, He is a World Book Record holder, a well-known Ballroom dancer and a Bollywood choreographer who has been honored with three National Excellence awards, one National Achievement Award and Dada Saheb Phalke award by the Government of India. He can be contacted on sandipsoparrkar06@gmail.com