Bangalore, July 12th, 2024: SIFF Youngartiste presented a unique and thought-provoking Kathak dance drama, “Sakhi Ri,” at the Bangalore International Centre (BIC) on July 4th, 2024. The event started at 7 pm and was attended by a full house audience.

Conceptualized and choreographed by Anushka Chandak and Radhika Karandikar, “Sakhi Ri” is a duet performance that explores the journey of a young girl’s relationship with her personified menstrual cycle, Laal Sakhi.

The performance takes the audience on a poignant journey as the Laal Sakhi (played by Anushka) guides her human (played by Radhika) through various shades of red, symbolizing different aspects of their friendship. From the fear and pain of the first encounter to the embarrassment and self-consciousness of adolescence, the Laal Sakhi stands by her human’s side. As their bond deepens, they navigate the thrill of sexual awakening and the joy of motherhood, with the Laal Sakhi’s presence a constant reminder of the beauty and complexity of womanhood.

The music composition by Aman Warkhedkar perfectly complemented the performance, which reflected into a nuanced hour long music sequence. Yash Potnis skillfully handled the lighting design.

The Q&A session that followed witnessed enthusiastic participation from the audience, praising the performers for their bold storytelling and mesmerizing performance.

Anushka Chandak is the Kathak instructor at SIFF Young Artiste, with a learner base of over 18,000 students from all across the world including Pakistan, China, UK, US and Kuwait to name a few. Anushka expressed her desire to create more productions like “Sakhi Ri,” bringing newer stories to her students and pushing the boundaries of classical dance.

“Sakhi Ri” is a testament to the power of art in sparking meaningful conversations and challenging societal norms. The success of this event paves the way for more innovative and thought-provoking performances in the future.