‘Leela’ at the sacred town of Vrindavan

One of India’s leading Kathak artists of her generation, Sanjukta Sinha is known for her technical expertise and immense artistry. A solo dancer of distinction, she has also performed in ensembles as well as collaborated with several leading international names across various dance forms, keen to create contemporary expressions of dance based on Kathak. She was awarded Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar by Sangeet Natak Akademi (2017)0 and also the Women Achiever Award by Gujarat Chamber of Commerce (2018).

Sanjukta Sinha is an inimitable dance artist, standing out for her skill and virtuosity. She wears the Kathak technique like a fine cloak, draping herself in its opulent traditions with ease. I have personally been witness to Sanjukta’s skills of holding audiences captivated with her stage presence, whether sashaying across the stage or twirling with the force of a tornado. Her fiery footwork together with her deeply expressive eyes, make her Kathak at once robust and sensuous, no wonder she has been honoured with Nritya Shringar Mani Award too.

Her work, is rooted to the traditions, nourished by contemporary sensibilities, and flowers with artistic expressions that are unapologetically personal. This makes her a formidable artist who strides boldly across conventions.

Sanjukta has collaborated with some of the most illustrious names in the industry, and has a wealth of performing experience across local and international arenas. Her vision is to use her tremendous creativity to make honest and compelling work, as well as to furnish further generations with solid physical training and open, enquiring minds. She has recently launched her own company in Ahmedabad under the name of Sanjukta Sinha Dance Company. She believes that dance is an art rooted in tradition, where the body is the device used as a celestial object to calculate the astronomy of human spirit.

Her recent show ‘Leela’ has been travelling across India, I spoke to dynamic dancer on her dance journey and the show, excerpts from the interview:

How and when did you start your dance training?
My dance journey began at the age of 7 in Lucknow, where I had the privilege of training under the esteemed Pt. Arjun Mishra Ji in a traditional gurukul setting. Later, at the age of 18, I moved to Ahmedabad to further my training with the renowned Padma Bhushan Smt. Kumudini Lakhia Ji, a legendary figure in the world of Kathak.

What work does your dance company do?
My dance company a medium to reach out and facilitate connections, conversations and curations. Through Sanjukta Sinha Dance Company we propagate such connections which involve the self, unleashing passion, create art and thus unfold a dialogue of questions. Traditional yet recreating newer forms, the company’s motto is to celebrate diversity in unison. The company has brought forth a new vocabulary called cutting edge based on the basic insights of the body through optimal use of muscles, correct way of holding the spine and extension of movements arising from the centre of the body. Sowing the seeds of curiosity and reflection, our company is a platform to foster interdisciplinary streams of arts and create a space for performing artists to excel in multiple tangents possible.

Your recent show ‘Leela’, what is it all about?
‘Leela’ is an immersive and visually captivating dance production that delves into the timeless spiritual love story of Krishna, Radha, and the Gopis in the sacred town of Vrindavan. Inspired by the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of India, the production aims to bring to life the essence of devotion, longing, and the transcendental nature of love through a mesmerizing fusion of classical Indian dance forms, enchanting music, and intricate storytelling.

So a huge team helped you set up the show?
Yes, I cannot thank my team enough who were instrumental in getting this show on floor. Though the concept and choreography was by me, my musicians; Sami Ullah Khan (Vocals), Mohit Gangani (Tabla), Ashish Gangani (Pakhawaj), Amir Khan (Sarangi), Parth Sarkar (Flute) worked tirelessly on this project. My team of dancers Krutika Ghanekar, Vidhi Shah, Tirtha Juwatkar, Pankaj Sihag, Hiren Gajjar, Shantanu Gosavi, Vihanga Rukshan, Yadnya Khadilkar, Radhika Chauthaiwale, Riya Patel, and Prerna Kaushik worked day and night to make ‘Leela’ a greta show. What added more value to our show were the costumes from Naqsh.

Where all have performed it and how has a response been?
Our show ‘Leela’ has graced prestigious stages across India, with its premiere in Ahmedabad followed Mumbai, Chandrodaya Temple in Vrindavan, Neela House in Jaipur, Shankara Foundation in Bangalore, and Bangalore International Centre. And we a few more shows coming up for the same. The response has been consistently overwhelming, with audiences deeply connecting to the story and sharing their own personal interpretations of Leela after the show. It’s been truly heart-warming to witness the resonance of the production with people from diverse backgrounds, a testament to the universal language of art and the enduring power of love and devotion.

Which is the most favourite part of yours in the show Leela and why?
The most rewarding aspect of Leela for me is the opportunity to engage with the audience after the show. I’m constantly amazed by the profound connections they make between the production and their own personal experiences. As they share their unique interpretations and insights, I’m struck by the depth of emotional resonance our story has sparked. It’s truly humbling to see how our simple yet powerful narrative can be woven into their lives, revealing new layers of meaning and significance. These interactions leave me in a state of wonder, grateful for the privilege of sharing our art with others and witnessing its transformative impact.

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 [email protected]