Jan 07 2026 to Jan 07 2026 7 p.m.

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

Can a dancer hold rhythm in her feet, melody in her voice, and an instrument in her hands?

This performance brings Indian classical dance, music, and rhythm into conversation. Rooted in Kathak and reaching across vocals, sitar and tabla, the production traces how movement, melody, and taal speak to one another: not as separate disciplines, but rather, as interwoven modes of expression.

The performance features a rare Kathak Yoga segment, where the dancer sings the rhythmic cycle, plays an instrument, and dances complex mathematical patterns simultaneously. It also ventures into a 5½-beat cycle, an unusual rhythmic inquiry, followed by an unconventional jugalbandi that draws the entire musical ensemble into spontaneous dialogue with the dance. 

The evening unfolds a porous performance space where roles blur and expression travels freely between body, voice, and rhythm. 

Supported by:

Artistes

Labonee Mohanta
Kathak
Labonee began training under the late Kathak legend Pandit Chitresh Das at the early age of eight. She is renowned for dynamism in her dance, fiery footwork, subtlety and grace in movement, mesmerizing spins, and dancing in complex half-beat rhythmic structures. She is also known to perform “Kathak Yoga” where she simultaneously sings the rhythmic cycle, dances mathematical patterns, and plays an instrument at the same time. A prominent solo artist, she performs regularly throughout India, Europe, the US, and Canada, at major venues such as at NCPA (Mumbai), Rabindra Sadan (Kolkata), Palace of Fine Arts (San Francisco) and the Ailey Dance Theater (New York City) at New York Kathak Festival. She collaborates with musicians around the world, such as Oliver Rajamani’s “Flamenco India” production at Austin City Limits, “Ganapati” Indo-fusion band in France, and the Toronto Tabla Ensemble, as well as in numerous award-winning short films and music videos. She was the 2024–25 recipient of the Dresher Ensemble Artist Residency Award, through which she created and premiered Milana, a production blending Kathak with Jazz, North Indian music, and South Indian percussion. Previously, Labonee toured extensively with Chitresh Das Dance Company and served as center director and senior teacher at her Guru’s institution. Now, as founder of Lavanya Academy of Indian Arts, she trains seventy students in California, including the members of Lavanya Dance Company.

Praveen Narayan
Tabla
Praveen is a distinguished tabla artist based in Chennai, celebrated for his rhythmic mastery, sensitivity, and remarkable versatility. A disciple of Sri Muthu Kumar and Pt. Ramdas Palsule, he brings both deep classical grounding and a spirit of creative openness to every performance. He has performed at prestigious festivals and venues across India, the USA, and South America, sharing his artistry with audiences around the world. A unique hallmark of Praveen’s musical journey is his ability to collaborate seamlessly with both North and South Indian musicians: a rare versatility that allows him to bridge traditions with authenticity and finesse. His collaborations span renowned Carnatic artists such as vocal duo Ranjani & Gayatri, Veena maestro Rajhesh Vaidhya, and Mandolin U. Rajesh, as well as leading Hindustani, Jazz, and World-Music artists internationally. This breadth of engagement reflects his openness, adaptability, and deep respect for diverse musical lineages. Praveen also tours globally and serves as the director of Percussion Namaha, his rhythm studio. His recording work includes collaborations with Grammy awardees V. Selvaganesh, Vikku Vinayakram, Rakesh Chaurasia, Ganesh Rajagopalan, and other maestros including U. Rajesh and Rajhesh Vaidhya.

Sanjeev Korti
Sitar
Shri Sanjeev Korti is a distinguished sitarist of the younger generation, based in Bangalore, known for his refined technique, artistic depth, and soulful expression. He has received more than eighteen years of rigorous training under Ustad Shafique Khan of the Gwalior Gharana, grandson of the legendary Sitar Ratna Rahamat Khan. He performs with an elegant balance of gayaki ang (vocal-style phrasing) and tantra-kari ang (instrumental virtuosity), showcasing sensitivity as well as technical brilliance. Sanjeev has performed extensively across India, including at renowned festivals such as the Sawai Gandharva Mahotsav, Hampi Festival, Bengaluru Habba, and the Navaraspur Festival. His talent has also taken him abroad, with performances in Europe, including Paris, Poland, Prague, and appearances at major international festivals such as the Ozora Festival, the Ördögkatlan Festival, and with the Wschód Piękna World Orchestra in Hungary. His concerts have been broadcast on All India Radio and Doordarshan, and he is also an accomplished composer, creating original works that highlight both his creativity and mastery of the instrument. In addition to his classical performances, he collaborates widely, accompanying light music ensembles and Kathak dance productions, bringing versatility, precision, and deep musical understanding to every stage.

Prathima Athreya
Vocals
Prathima Athreya is a dedicated and accomplished vocalist whose musical journey began under the guidance of Smt. Shantha Jayatheertha, noted musician and AIR staff artiste. She then trained for over fifteen years under Pt. D. B. Harindra, the renowned Gwalior Gharana musician, teacher, and musicologist, whose mentorship shaped her deep grounding in Hindustani classical music. She continues her advanced training with Sri Abhijit Shenoy, senior disciple of Pt. Harindra. Prathima has performed on numerous respected platforms, including Sheshadripuram Ramaseva Mandali (Ramanavami Festival), Sangeetha Krupa Kuteera, Nadaranjani Sangeetha Sabha, Basaveshwaranagara (Kaarthikotsava), Bhagavath Seva Mandali (Ramanavami Festival), KGF, Shri Shankara Prathishtana, Hulimavu, Marikamba Temple, Sirsi, and Banagiri Vinayaka Temple, Banashankari. In addition to her classical training, Prathima has a strong foundation in light music (Bhavageethe, Devaranama, and Vachana Sangeetha) learnt from her mother, Smt. B. S. Annapurna. She has presented hundreds of performances across various stages and media, including appearances on Chandana, ETV Kannada, and Suvarna television channels. Her work has been featured at Kuvempu Darshana (Mumbai and Bengaluru), Sugama Sangeetha Sammelana (Bellary and Hassan), Hampi Utsava, and Udyanavanadalli, among many others. Prathima’s music reflects her rigorous training, versatility across genres, and deep commitment to sharing the richness of both classical and light music traditions.