Step into the world of ‘Aneka’, where Kathak transcends boundaries and friendships flourish into a powerful force for change. Amidst the challenges of the pandemic, eight friends from Canada, the US, India, Dubai, the Netherlands, and Australia united to craft more than just a dance production – it’s a tribute to mental health awareness. Juggling roles as choreographers, scriptwriters, designers, finance heads and more, all while balancing our studies, we’ve already seen success with two shows. Now, as ‘Aneka’ comes to India, they promise audiences an unforgettable experience, where Kathak becomes a vehicle for profound storytelling and social impact, igniting conversations and touching hearts. In this exclusive interview with News18.com, the group discusses everything about their journey thus far.

Excerpts from the interview:

How did you come up with this idea of starting a Kathak troupe – ‘Aneka’? What inspired you to start ‘Aneka’?

Embarking on a journey unlike any other, ‘Aneka’ is not just a Kathak production; it’s a testament to the power of friendship, creativity, and a shared commitment to a cause. Born from the depths of the pandemic, our group of eight friends, hailing from diverse corners of the globe including Canada, the US, India, Dubai, the Netherlands, and Australia, united through our love for Kathak. Together, we envisioned more than just dance; we saw an opportunity to amplify awareness about mental health, utilising Kathak as our medium of expression.

Why did you name it as ‘Aneka’?

The reason naming our Kathak troupe as ‘Aneka’ is that our narrative revolves around ’‘Anēka’, a Mughal Era courtesan courageously confronting her Dissociative Identity Disorder, embodied by Rasika and Arya. Supported by her mentor, Guru Begum Noor, and friend Aashna, Anēka embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Through our thematic exploration of mental health, we aim to engage, entertain, and educate audiences.

How many girls are there in the troupe, what is their age group and what is their background?

‘Aneka’ is a Kathak troupe of 8 young energetic, vivacious and highly talented girls, hailing from diverse corners of the globe, including Canada, the US, India, Dubai, the Netherlands, and Australia

How many shows have you done so far and where are they all?

We have had a total of 5 sold out shows in Dubai in 2021 and 2023.

Where would you be performing in India? What brings you to India ?

We will be performing at M.E.S. Auditorium Pune on August 17, 2024 and at NCPA Mumbai on August 18, 2024. As we all know, Kathak is derived from North India. It is an ancient and one of the major forms of Indian classical dance, and so are our roots, which are from India. Hence, it is a tribute to our motherland, India and we are privileged to perform here.

How many hours of rehearsals do you guys do in a day/week?

We have our rehearsals from 9am to 5 p.m. every day.

What message do you want to convey to audiences with your Kathak performances ?

Together, we envisioned more than just dance; we saw an opportunity to amplify awareness about mental health, utilising Kathak as our medium of expression.Now, as we bring ‘Aneka’ to India, we promise audiences an unforgettable experience, where Kathak becomes a vehicle for profound storytelling and social impact, igniting conversations and touching hearts.

Any tips for young girls (4–5 years old) seeking to learn Kathak?

Keep doing your riyaz, keep your creativity high by telling and dancing your stories. Your voice is important and should be heard.

About the cast:

Aditi Achwal (Anekā, Creative Director):

Aditi Achwal has completed an undergraduate degree at FLAME University, Pune, with a major in literary and cultural studies and a minor in dance. She is interested in research orientated towards literature for dance and theatre. She has performed across India and the U.A.E.

Swarashri Shridhar (Rasika, Aneka’s Alter Personality, Artistic Director):

Swarashri Shridhar’s niche is to build choreographies around mental health and social well being, having performed them in UAE, India, Switzerland and UK. She continues to learn Carnatic Music from Smt. Rajani Shridhar, has explored the art of Konnakol & Nattuvangam.

Avani Samyani (Arya – Aneka’s Alter personality, Co-Managing Director):

Avani Samyani, a Finance graduate from Western University in Canada, has performed globally, including in the UAE, India, Canada, Switzerland, London, and Scotland. She uses her finance background to make dance more sustainable and tells impactful stories through Kathak, pushing its boundaries.

Janhavi Thorat:

Janhavi Thorat is currently pursuing her Master’s in Business Psychology as part of her educational journey. She has been a part of several performances in UAE, India, London, and Switzerland. She has completed and received the ISTD diploma with distinction. She aspires to explore dance therapy, which will include an amalgamation of Kathak and psychology in her future endeavors.

Revati Mirchandani:

Revati Mirchandani is currently pursuing her bachelors in business at Tilburg University, Netherlands. She has performed in various countries, including the UAE, India, the Netherlands, Switzerland, UK and Kenya. She has completed the Kathak ISTD Diploma with distinction.

Maithili Patel:

Maithili Patel, a kathak artist from the USA,  aims to tell stories that celebrate yet challenge traditional narratives. A prime shishya of Guru Dr Pali Chandra, she has performed globally. Including the New York Kathak Festival, Swiss International Kathak Festival, the International Human Rights Arts Festival, and Modhera Dance Festival. An accomplished storyteller, her work has been called “relatable” and “expressive,” performed by a “passionate dramatist.” Maithili has recently served as rehearsal director for her Guru’s Gita Govinda Project.

Suranya Siriwardana:

Suranya Siriwardana is a Sri Lankan kathak dancer based in Adelaide, Australia. She has been learning kathak for the past 14 years, and following her completion of the ISTD Vocational Diploma in Kathak, she has begun her own venture, Nalini Dance Company. Having travelled the world sharing the beautiful art form, Suranya is passionate about using dance as a way of communication.