Thu 01 July 6.30 pm
Prakash Jha’s Retrospective of Films
Prakash Jha in Conversation with Sangeeta Datta

A multiaward winning film producer-director-screenwriter, Prakash Jha is most known for his political and socio-political films, Damul (1984), Mrityudand (1997), and Gangaajal (2003). He is also the maker of National Film Award winning documentaries like, Face after Storm (1984) and Sonal (2002). He now runs a production company, Prakash Jha Productions. He then made many TV series including a 13 part Classical Dances from India, and the famous comedy series, Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne. He has just completed Rajneeti, which is a contemporary take on the epic, Mahabharat.

Currently teaching at South Asian Cinema and Literature at the Centre for Advanced Studies, University of London, Sangeeta Dutta has also worked as post doctoral fellow at University of Sussex and SOAS. Her first feature film, Life Goes On, received the Best Feature Film Award at the First Pravasi Film Festival in Delhi. Author of a book on Shyam Benegal for the World Director's series, she was the Associate Director on Rituparno Ghosh's The Last Lear, Chokher Bali, Raincoat, Antarmahal and also on Brick Lane.

Fri 02 July 2.30 pm
Prakash Jha’s Retrospective of Films
Gangaajal (2003, 157 min)

Winner of the National Film Award for the Best Film on other Social Issues and the Filmfare Best Background Score Award, this film is about the blinding incident at Bhagalpur. Ajay Devgan is SP Amit Kumar, who is given charge of the Tejpur District in Bihar, which is full of crime, including those committed by the local police. Gradually Amit realises that the local politician Sadhu Yadav is the one who benefits the most out of it. Amit arrests Sunder Yadav, Sadhu's son, who is soon released. A hue and cry is raised by the media, crime almost comes to a standstill, and the police are regarded with respect.

Fri 02 July 6.30 pm
Prakash Jha’s Retrospective of Films
Film : Raajneeti

Directed, and produced by Prakash Jha, this story is about Indian democracy and above all the story of a few people who control the destiny of millions, their unstoppable ambition and their bitter battle to achieve it. According to the film's co-writer Anjum Rajabali, this film is hugely influenced by the epic Mahabharata, and is set in the milieu of contemporary electoral politics. Shot in Bhopal, the film stars Ranbir Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Nana Patekar, Katrina Kaif, Arjun Rampal, Manoj Bajpayee, Sarah Thompson and Naseeruddin Shah.

Sat 03 July 6.30 pm
Book Launch/Discussion : Kaifi and I : Shaukat Kaifi
Shabana Azmi and Nasreen Rehman in Conversation with Dr Faisal Devji

Programme Cancelled

Mon 05 July 6.30 pm
Illustrated Talk : West meets East
Jane Ridley

Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the founding of The Lutyens Trust, this event also highlights the centenary of the founding of New Delhi next year.

Jane Ridley, Sir Edwin’s great-grand-daughter and author of his biography, The Architect and His Wife, will then give the talk, West Meets East, which she presented in Delhi at the recent INTACH conference, Old and New Delhi, The Conservation of Shahjahanabad and Lutyens Bungalow Zone. In association with the Lutyens Trust (www.lutyenstrust.org.uk)

Tue 06 July 6.15 pm
Exhibition of Paintings : India Revisited
Irma Kennaway

The combined passion for textiles and painting drew Irma Kennaway to India, one of her major sources of inspiration. She paints mainly in Goa each winter having found an environment colourful enough to mirror her palette. The colours are bold, optimistic and the work is playful. Her paintings are in private collections in America, India, France, Italy and England. An intrepid traveller, taking her sketchbook whevever she goes, Irma was invited to partake in the Travel Sketchbook Biennale in Clermont Ferrand, France, where she exhibited, My Indian Adventure Sketchbook on the Kennaway Trail, an illustrated travel sketchbook retracing her great great great grandfathers life in India. A novel based on this story is being finalized.

After graduating in Fashion and Textiles from Central St. Martins School of Art, Irma Kennaway proceeded to use her talents in Paris, hand painting fabrics for the catwalk runs of major fashion houses. Three years later her love of fine art took her to Florence where she studied at the San Lorenzo di Medici Art School. A special affinity for silk then led her to Lake Como where she spent ten years designing for French labels such as Y.S.L, Christian Lacroix and Ungaro in the textile company Mantero.

Open until 9 July during office hours

Tue 06 July 7.00 pm
World City Music Village: The Teak Project

Europe’s longest-running festival of world cultures, Music Village, celebrates London's global pre-eminence as a hub for diversity. The 24th festival forms the centerpiece of Cultural Co-operation’s new 5-year project, World City. The 12-day event at venues across the capital presents over 300 performers. The Teak Project represents a collaboration between three of Britain’s finest young improvisers - Jonathan Mayer (sitar), Justin Quinn (guitar) and Neil Craig (tabla) – who have come together to make their own music, unfettered by the strictures of defined categories like ‘jazz’ or ‘Hindustani classical.’

Son of composer and co-founder of Indo-Jazz Fusions, John Mayer, found the instrument that would be his life at age of 16. He began learning from Clem Alford (the first European sitar player) and later from Subroto Roy Chowdhury of Senia Gharana and Wajahat Khan. He has released a classic CD, Astonishingly Virtuosic.

Justin Quinn grew up under the influence of both his parents’ past musical encounters: from his mother's work with John McLaughlin, to his father's playing in jazz, commercial, and Indian musical settings. His debut album with his own group Bakehouse was named 1 Jazz Album of 2005 by MOJO magazine.

A classically trained percussionist, Neil Craig has performed in orchestral, avant-garde and traditional Hindustani music. Trained in Latin percussion, Neil went on to study tabla under Pt Sharda Sahai. Neil can be heard on The Christian Garrick Quartet's album FLY 3 and recently toured with the augmented version of this band, the Firewire Ensemble.

For more information on Cultural Co-operation visit www.culturalco-operation.org

Wed 07 July 6.30 pm
Book Launch: The Moonstone Legacy
Diana De Gunzburg andTony Wild

"What will be the next adventure of the Moonstone? Who can tell?" So ends the novel by the Victorian writer, Wilkie Collins, who is rightly considered one of the most enlightened in his approach to the sensitive issue of the relationship between the Imperial British and its Indian subjects. The Moonstone Legacy picks up on the last line of his book, and also the spirit of the writer.

An Anglo-Russian-Afghan, Diana De Gunzburg’s great-grandfather was the last man to be publicly hanged in British India for making war on the Crown. Diana was brought up between the North West Frontier - where her father still farms his estate - and her mother's native Yorkshire. By the age of seventeen she had already made the 6000-mile journey overland between the two countries three times. A Yoga teacher, she has recently published articles about her family history in Alef magazine and Afghan Scene.

A scion of the Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate dynasty; makers of Yorkshire Tea, Tony Wild was a director of the company but gave up to write full time. Fascinated by the relationship between the British and India, he explored the subcontinent as a young man. Former actor, filmmaker and screenwriter, he published two popular histories The East India Company: Trade and Conquest from 1600 and Remains of the Raj, which Jan Morris nominated as her book of the year. He is official Historiographer of the East India Company.

The authors will be interviewed by Reginald Massey , the well-known writer, critic and broadcaster. He writes: Apart from being a good read, Diana de Gunzburg and Tony Wild have delved into the often complex relationship between Britain and South Asia. To an extent they have updated Kipling and Forster which is commendable.

In association with Pushkin Press (www.pushkinpress.co.uk)

Thu 08 July 6.30 pm
Talk: Chup Sadhana - The Missing Link
Mansoor

Chup Sadhana is an effortless no-practice practice, which reveals the ever-present, underlying Silence in which all the events of life are experienced. In his talk Mansoor will explore how this missing link runs through different spiritual practices and traditions. The innumerable different practices of Yoga do not reveal the Truth; rather they break down this illusory separation between the individual and the Universal. The Impersonal Self is ‘That’, from which all things come and into which all things disappear. It is that Fullness from which ‘Nobody’ has ever been separated. It is described as that state beyond duality, beyond coming and going. Self is always Self and never not Self. This recognition is Chup Sadhana, this is the missing link.

From a very young age Mansoor was acutely aware of the immense contradictions around him and there was a feeling that somewhere, there must be a meeting point beyond all the conflicting religious and sectarian beliefs. His search took him through many spiritual traditions, and for the last 15 years he has been teaching Yoga in the US, Europe and India. In 1998 Mansoor started studying the scriptures seriously, and taught himself enough Sanskrit to be able to understand the original Indian texts. This knowledge, particularly the Bhagavad Gita, which has always been closest to his heart, balanced with personal experience, has given a depth to his understanding. He is able to share and communicate this understanding in a remarkable and revealing way, creating a bridge between all the different traditions, East and West, ancient and present. (www.chup-sadhana.com)

For further information, please contact Clarissa on 07979694776 at yoga@chup-sadhana.com

Fri 09 July 6.30 pm
Music: Sham-e-Ghazal
Rashmi Agarwal

A leading performer of Thumri-Dadra, Ghazal and Sufi-Bhakti Sangeet, Rashmi Agarwal is a postgraduate in vocal music from Allahabad University. Trained with Pt Ramashray Jha and Guru Savita Devi of Benaras Gharana, she is mastering the nuances of Ghazal singing under Guru Shanti Hiranand, the foremost disciple of Begum Akhtar.

Rashmi’s flair for research and innovation led her to experiment with various genres and styles of music. Her music combines the emotive and expressive quality of Thumri gayaki and the rich rustic earthiness of the folk tradition of India. Working constantly on new themes, she conceptualized and structured a variety of thematic concerts including Aarambh Se Anth, Ang Ang Shyam Rang, Echoes from Uttar Pradesh, Rainbow of Holi, Chal Khusro Ghar Aapne, Jazbaat-Colours of Emotion, Aazaad Samandar, Moods in Dadra, Dhai Akshar Prem Ke, and a Sufi and Bhakti concert, Tu Ek Naam Anek. In the recent past she has paid glorious tributes to great artistes like Begum Akhtar, Mallika Pukhraj and Meena Kumari through their compositions.

Rashmi’s acclaimed debut Sufi album, Rang De Maula, was released in October, 2007 and her compilation of folk songs from Uttar Pradesh is available on Beatofindia.com. She has sung Gayatri Mantras in the album, Enchanting Chants, and recently enthralled her audiences with her soulful music in New York, Michigan and Louisville Kentucky. Accompanists : Fida Husain Khan (harmonium) and Hanif Khan (tabla)

Mon 12 July 6.30 pm
Dance : A Friend for Life : (Ogo dukho shukher o sathi)
Bisakha Sarker

An evening of dance, poetry and music reflecting on how Tagore has been a constant companion in an artist’s journey through life. A highly respected performer, producer, educationalist and critic, Bisakha has organised two landmark international dance conferences in Liverpool establishing a new style of artist-led conference programming. She has gained a wide experience of dance, working all over the country in a wide range of situations. Her innovative work has brought her much acclaim challenging many traditional cultural boundaries along the way. Her rich creativity and passion for dance inspire all who work with her, empowering them in a unique way.

In association with Chaturangan and Mokhsha (www.chaturangan.co.uk)

Tue 13 July 6.15 pm
Exhibition of Photographs: Asian Dance Theatre: Performance through the Lens

This exhibition aims to chart the historical milestones and achievements of Akademi throughout its 30 years including its first national production - The Adventure of Mowgli (1985); the UK tour of the Return of Spring (1986); Chipko (1993) - Akademi’s first theme based educational project and Coming of Age (2000) celebrating its 21st anniversary. Akademi’s pictures will demonstrate images of various South Asian dance forms across the traditional styles of Kathak, Bharatanatyam and Odissi and the increasingly popular Bollywood dance. The exhibition will also feature some of Akademi’s outdoor spectacles, from Escapade (2003) at the Southbank Centre and Bells (2007) in Trafalgar Square to Akademi’s latest productions, Initium (2008); Daredevas (2009) and Sufi:Zen (2010) currently touring the UK.

In association with Akademi, London (www.akademi.co.uk, www.southasiandance.org.uk)

Tue 13 July 6.45 pm
Exhibition of Photographs: Mudras
Carola Syz Sarzi-Amadé

Originally from Rome, Carola Syz Sarzi-Amadé has lived in London for over 20 years. She studied Art (Liceo Artistico) and Languages (Universita La Sapienza) in Rome and later Video Documentary & Drama (Westminster College) and Photography (Kensington & Chelsea College) in London. She draws her inspiration from the rich colours and exotic beauty of the places she has travelled, particularly to countries in the Far East, Asia and North Africa including India, Vietnam, Morocco and China, She creates abstract compositions, taking everyday objects and capturing their own unique perspective. Through her work she deconstructs and transforms them into fantasy shapes and abstract images.

Carola is also a portrait photographer, her repertoire comprising formal and informal photographs of a wide variety of subjects. (www.carolasyz.com,) Open until 16 July during office hours

Tue 13 July 7.00 pm
Dance: NaAsat

Anusha Subramanyam’s performance begins with a work based on a Vedic text from Nasadiya Sutra followed by works exploring Murugan - child, lover and god.

Artistic director of Beeja, a London based dance theatre company, Anusha was introduced into the world of dance in the UK in the late 1990’s by Akademi. Known as one of the most exciting exponents of Bharatanatyam working ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ its traditions, Anusha has choreographed a wide range of performances and collaborated with artists from a variety of disciplines to create work that is accessible, entertaining and challenging. An inspiring teacher who, has focused on integrating dance, education, somatic and contemplative practices into her work, Anusha was awarded a Lisa Ullmann travelling scholarship last year, 2009 to go to USA to deepen her practice through studying experiential anatomy at the Body Movement Centre in Pittsburgh.

Anusha was the programme director for Dance India 2008-09. She is the Subject Leader for Bharatanatyam at the CAT (The Centre for Advance training) programme in Birmingham a collaborative initiative with sampad and DanceXchange. In association with Beeja (www.beeja.com)

Wed 14 July 6.30 pm
Dance: Colours of Kathak
Nilima Devi

One on the foremost pioneering Kathak artists in the UK, Nilima Devi has been performing, teaching and choreographing Indian dance in the UK for the past 25 years. Trained under the guidance of Pt Sundarlal Gangani, she has widely performed all over the world. She has been praised for her graceful interpretations of Kathak stories and her experimental work with cross-cultural art forms such as European classical music's African Drumming and Irish dance. The colours of Kathak repertoires in a combination of solo/duet and group work performed by some of her up and coming young dancers of CICD. In association with Centre for Indian Classical Dance (www.cicd.org.uk)

Thu 15 July 6.30 pm
Dance: MALA

A garland of dances, Mala, will be presented by selected young talent, who have been training under renowned tutors such as Chitraleka Bolar and Sonia Sabri and also through the CAT programme. From Bharatantyam and Kathak to contemporary south Asian, the performance will provide a glimpse of the range of work developing in Birmingham and beyond. Dancers will include Jyoti Parwana, Satveer Panaiser, Subhash Viman and others.

In association with Sampad, Birmingham (www.sampad.org.uk)

Fri 16 July 6.30 pm
Dance: Odissi : New Directions
Scheherazaad Cooper, Kali Chandra Seegaram and Katie Ryan ,br>

Kadam presents an evening of Odissi dance by the next generation of interpreters based in the West. One of the six classical Indian dance styles, Odissi is renowned for its sculptured postures and sensuous grace. Keeping to traditions or radicalising the form and content, each of the three artists has an individuality which is engaging. Scheherazaad Cooper, Kali Chandrasegaram and Katie Ryan perform a mixture of traditional and newly created repertoire. In association with Kadam (www.kadam.org.uk)

Fri 16 July 3.00 pm - 4.30 pm
The Satyajit Ray Foundation’s 2010 Short Film Competition

The winning title will be announced at the closing night of the London Indian Film Festival, on Tuesday 20 July, at the Cineworld Haymarket, where it will screen before the feature VIHIR (The Well). For further information, please log on to www.cineworld.co.uk

Jubilee – Doug Rao, 15 mins, (UK, 2009). A by-the-book right-wing politician takes to the campaign trail in the company of a young hardliner. An encounter with an Asian woman from his past muddies the political waters and sends his emotions into a tailspin…

A Miracle in West Brom – Billy Dosanjh, 20 mins (UK, 2010) Documentary – "This is a film about my parents. My mother, a housewife for 30 years, and my father, owner of a car salvage yard. After recent events I was led deeper into their marriage than I’ve ever been before. For the first time I’ve asked questions, hoping to make peace with their history."

The Road Home – Rahul Gandotra, 20 mins (UK, 2010) 10-year old Pico, British born and bred, is sent by his Indian parents to an international boarding school in the Himalayas. Abandoned by his family and picked on by school bullies who refuse to accept his British identity, Pico runs away to make his way back to England. Ramoshi – Tathagata Singha, 13 mins (India, 2009) In 1871, the British dubbed the Ramoshi – a community in Maharashtra – a ‘criminal tribe’. Although they were ‘denotified’ in 1952 post-Independence, this documentary explores how the contemporary descendents still live with the stigma.

Lost Paradise – Waleed Akhtar, 13 mins, (UK, 2009) A young Muslim woman, wife and mother, has a chance encounter with a man from her past. Can she recapture something that is perhaps lost forever? Nothing Is Impossible – Nina Duttaroy, 9 mins (UK, 2009) Documentary looking into the age defying life of 97 year old Feauja Singh, the fastest over-90s marathon runner in the world, who gets quicker every year.

In association with the Satyajit Ray Foundation (www.satyajitray.org.uk) and London Indian Film Festival (www.londonindianfilmfestival.co.uk) takes place from 15 - 20 July screening new Indian independent films at Cineworld Haymarket, Watermans, Barbican, The Nehru Centre and Genesis Cinema.

Sun 18 July 10.30 am
Celebrating 20 years of UK Hindi Samiti & 7 Years of Vatayan
Hindi Seminar Series: Kahani

The UK Hindi Samiti was formed in 1990 with a mission to promote Hindi language and literature in the UK. Over two decades, it has organised several international Hindi seminars and conferences including the 6th World Hindi Conference in London which was participated by over 600 delegates from across the world.

Since 1994 Hindi Samiti has been organizing an annual International Poetry Symposiums to reach the wider audience of UK. Dignitaries from the field of Hindi and culture in Britain are honoured on this occasion with Sanskriti Sewa Samman and Hindi Sewa Samman. Since 1997, it has been publishing the only literary quarterly magazine, Purwai, to give a creative platform to the international Hindi writers. The first collection of Hindi poets, Door Bagh Mein Sondhi Mittee (1997) and Hindi stories, Mittee ki Sugandh (1999) were published and launched by Hindi Samiti to promote the Hindi writers of UK.

It also organises annual written and speech competitions in Hindi amongst students; winners are sent to India on an educational tour. Apart from the UK, this competition is held in Russia, Holland, Croatia, Romania, Ireland and Hungary. More than 80 Hindi students and 10 Hindi teachers have travelled to India from UK and Europe under this project.

To celebrate two decades of the UK Hindi Samiti and 7 years of its sister organisation, Vatayan, a series of Hindi seminars are being organised in London. The series of seminars will be held on Hindi stories, poems, literature and youth-Hindi students of the UK. In the first seminar on Hindi Kahani, the Hindi short stories of distinguished authors from UK will be read with their literary introductions and finally the writer will take questions from the floor. In association with UK Hindi Samiti and Vatayan : Poetry on South Bank

Dr Gautam Sachdev, Zakia Zubairi, Divya Mathur, Kadambari Mehra and Usha Verma will read their stories in the first two sessions. The next two sessions will be held on Sunday, the 8th of August at The Nehru Centre. Chief Guest : Shri Sayyed Asif Ibrahim, Minister (Co-Ordination), High Commission of India, London, Chair : Satyendra Srivastava and Kailash Budhwar

Tue 20 July 6.15 pm
Exhibition of Paintings: The Great Indian Desert
Kiran Soni Gupta

Divisional Commissioner, Jaipur, Kiran Soni Gupta is also an internationally acclaimed artist. With confluence of myriad interests, she is soul searching artist, prolific writer, an avid traveller and an activist administrator. Her recent successful exposition, Desert Symphony, at New Delhi and Celebration of LIfe at Jaipur were the most defining moment in her art journey that has given her art both depth and breadth much more than any other professional artist. Her works reflect not only her conviction on issues of women, children, poverty, development and environment, but also her sensitivity, keen observation, and also, an abounding faith in humanity.

The book, Beyond Strokes & Art Renderings, based on Kiran Soni Gupta’s artworks were launched by Times of India. She has been honored with a number of prestigious awards including the Kala Samridhi Award 2010, Artist of the Year-2009, Achiever of the Year-2009 and Kala Shiromani-2008. Her painting on Famine, depicting its impact on women and children won her the National Award in 2003. Her artwork, Matters of Heart, was applauded in the All India Exhibition-2004. She has been featured in the coffee table book, Voice of Substance, and an exclusive magazine, WOW (World of Women) by The Times of India.

Open until 30 July during office hours

Launching of Art Portfolio : God’s Finest Creation Chief Guest : Hon’ble Lord Swraj Paul

Tue 20 July 7.30 pm
Music: Sitar
Dr Amie Maciszewski

This event will combine the screening of a taster from a fascinating new documentary, Disrupted Divas: Conflicting Pathways, with a brilliant Indian Jazz fusion band, Sangeet Millennium. The Sangeet Millennium Ensemble fuses traditional Indian music with jazz and other world music. Its first CD, Shimmering, was selected as a Texas Top Ten in the Austin Chronicle Music Critics’ Poll 2007 year-end listings. Sangeet’s founding and leading member, Amie Maciszewski is an American sitarist who has devoted her adult life to studying, performing and propagating awareness about North Indian music and culture. She is a disciple of sarod maestro Aashish Khan. Amie’s latest film, Disrupted Divas, shows how socially marginalised women, tawaifs, are, given a ray of hope and are empowered by being able to exhibit their talent in traditional music and dance. This is made possible by the work of a small Indian charity called 'Guria'.

Accompanists : Paul Klemperer (sax) and Yousuf Ali Khan (tabla) In association with Sangeet Millennium in collaboration with Guria (www.guria-uk.org)

Wed 21 July 6.30 pm
Book Launch/Readings: Britain Mein Urdu Qalam
Councillor Zakia Zubairi and Tejendra Sharma

Edited by Zakia Zubairi and Tejendra Sharma, this collection of 16 short stories of 8 Urdu writers translated into Hindi, gives a flavour of modern Urdu writing in the UK, including Fahim Akhtar, Najma Usman, Shahida Ahmed, Bano Arshad, Mohsina Jilani, Safia Siddiqui, Jitendra Billoo and Kaisar Tamkeen.

This is Councillor Zakia Zubairi's way of spreading peace and love through literature. Working tirelessly to bridge the gulf between Hindi and Urdu languages, she has stories and novels translated from Hindi to Urdu in the past. She thinks that just because of the difference in script the literature of one language cannot cross the barrier while 75-80% vocabulary of both the languages is the same.

Published by Rachna Samay of Bhopal, the book has an informative introduction by Dr Achala Sharma, former Head of BBC World Service Radio, who would be speaking on the book. Compere : Tejendra Sharma, writer and General Secretary of Katha UK.

Fri 23 July 6.30 pm
Film: Haat the Weekly Bazaar (2009, 105 min)

Directed by Seema Kapoor, starring Divya Dutta, Mukesh Tiwari, Archana Puran Singh and Yashpal Sharma, this film (Rajasthani with English subtitles) is based on a Rajasthani custom called Natha Pratha, whereby if a woman wants to leave her husband, her father or any other person who supports her, has to pay compensation. If it is not paid, the woman is punished by the villagers for leaving her husband. Sanja (Divya Dutta) faces the village on charges of adultery. She challenges the villagers quoting Natha Pratha so she can divorce her husband, Ramchander (Yashpal Sharma) and marry Bhanwar (Mukesh Tiwari). The problem arises when Ramchander asks for 30,000 rupees and neither Sanja nor Bhanwar can afford it. In association with Tongues on Fire (www.tonguesonfire.com)

Tue 27 July 6.30 pm
Music/CD Launch: Thumri 2Day
Pandit Vishwa Prakash and Sarita

Belonging to the Jaipur Gharana, Pt Vishwa Prakash learnt music from his father, Pt Mahadev Prasadji (Kathak) and his elder brothers, Pt Madan Prakash, Pt K Pannalal, Pt Sudarshan Dev (Kathak) and especially from Pt K Mahavir - great composers/performers/Gurus of their time. Performing and teaching classical and folk music for the last four decades in and around 26 countries, he has directed great singers including Asha Bhosle, Sonu Nigam, Suresh Wadekar, Anuradha Podwal, Anup Jalota, Kavita Krishnamurthi and Shashi Pandit.

And now Pt Prakash’s own disciple, Sarita, is releasing two albums under his music direction, Thumri2Day and Tarana2Day, which is a fusion of North Indian semi-classical music and the world music of today. Her father, the late Wg Cdr Jagdish Bankapur lovingly called her ‘his girl with the golden voice.’ Practicing Medicine in the UK, Sarita became the Nightingale of Cardiff by singing old and melodious songs of Indian films. Then she turned to classical music and trained under Lechu Mia of Newport Cardiff and now she is training under Pt Vishwa Prakash. Accompanists : Sahibji (Guitar) and Mital Purohit (tabla)

Wed 28 July 6.30 pm
Readings : Indian Essentials
Sanjay Suri

Just what is it that goes into the making of the Indian? The Penguin anthology, Indian Essentials, takes an assembly line look at components ranging from public urination and the obsession with gold to chai pani, the jhatkas of Bollywood, and that thing called NRI. Sanjay Suri will be reading from his chapter on the Republic of Enaristan. And he invites you to take the NRI test that lists 101 differences between the NRI and the Indian in India.

Sanjay Suri is editor-in-chief of the Inter Press Service (IPS) and political editor with CNN-IBN Television. He is author of Brideless in Wembley, published earlier by Penguin in India and by Summersdale in London.

Special Guests : Lord Meghnad Desai and Valerie Vaz, MP, should be among the first to take the 'test'. In collaboration with Penguin-India

Mon 02 August 6.15 pm
Exhibition of Paintings : Ganga to Thames, on my eyot 
Manav Gupta

An old English word for an island, eyot denotes the individuality of a human being and yet his vulnerable symbiotic relationship with his environment, the micro and macro ecosystem of the larger cosmic design, wherever it might be, in the waters of the Ganga or of the Thames. says Manav.

Manav Gupta is an eminent artist who has very successfully and constantly experimented with innovative art practices that address the larger human concerns. Listed by Financial Times as one of the ten young Indian artists whose works would fetch good returns, his works have been auctioned by Christie’s, Bonham’s, etc. Having held several solo exhibitions all over India and abroad he has been awarded the Sanatan Puraskar for Fine Arts by the French Ambassador to India. He has been commissioned for public projects in individual capacity by the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt of India for his unique one minute films on environment with his music, concept, paintings and poetry as public service messages, Ministry of External Affairs, Govt of India, for a mega canvas project depicting Indo-Bhutan friendship, besides numerous other projects like limited edition copyright of works for a curated project by Hitachi, Singapore, the Jindal Flag Foundation, Times of India Leadership awards etc. Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, former President of India invited the artist for a book of paintings translating his poetry that was published by Penguin called The Life Tree.

Trained at the Academy of Fine Arts under Rathin Maitra and under his guru Vasant Pandit, he has been one of the youngest members on the expert committee for the National Republic Day celebrations.

A pioneer in translating a performing artist’s oeuvre on canvas live on stage including the likes of Dr L.Subramanium, Shubha Mudgal, Anup Jalota,Rahul Sharma etc, he has developed unique concepts where he gets collaborative strokes from public to convert them into cutting edge works of art, like the latest mega mural 65' x 45' spanning five floors of a mega corporate house. He has permanent public collections at institutions, select galleries and museums internationally including the Chitrakala Parishad,Birla Academy, Rashtrapati Bhawan, The Parliament, The Oman Royal household etc.

Open until 6 August during office hours

Mon 02 August 7.00 pm
Music/Poetry/Painting & Installation: Jugalbandi
Manav Gupta

Manav Gupta pioneered the jugalbandi since 2002 as the Indian idiom of contemporary performance art practices to create a valid language soaked in the Indian ethos of art and culture rather than the existence of influences drawn from the west. He felt, that he could derive from the Indian context's oceanic wealth of performing arts and explore it in this art form of his to add a meaningful dimension." Manav is currently creating a production taking the above one step forward with his music, poetry, performance, painting and installation along with the performing arts.

Tue 03 August 6.30 pm
Music : Hindustani Vocal Recital
Shraboni Ghosal

Lecturer in Biology, Shraboni Ghosal was awarded Sangeet Visharad in North Indian Classical Music. Trained from the age of four, she is a disciple of Pt Ajoy Chakraborty and Gita Roy and belongs to Patiala and Bishnupuri Gharanas. She develops ragas using unique and subtle skills within her Dhrupads, Dhamars and Khayals and blends them with intricate ornamentation, demonstrating a wonderful vocal range.

Shraboni has performed with many world famous artists and has sung from BBC Radio several times. She composes music in her spare time and has participated in international conferences and seminars. With a B.Mus. Degree (in addition to her B.Sc. & M.Sc. from Sheffield University) and also trained in Western music, she is a knowledgeable singer as well as a musician.

Accompanist : Hanif Khan (tabla) and Arnab Ghosal (tanpura)

Wed 04 Aug 6.30 pm
Film : Karthik Calling Karthik

Written and directed by Vijay Lalwani and produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani under the banner of Excel Entertainment, the film stars Farhan Akhtar and Deepika Padukone in lead roles. Ram Kapoor and Shefali Shah play supporting roles in the film. The film's music was composed by the trio of Shankar Ehsaan Loy, while the background score was composed by Midival Punditz and Karsh Kale. (125 min)

In association with Eros International

Sun 08 August 11.00 am
Celebrating 20 years of UK Hindi Samiti & 7 Years of Vatayan
Series of Hindi Seminar - Part II : Kahani

To celebrate two decades of the UK Hindi Samiti and seven years of its sister organisation, Vatayan : Poetry on South Bank, a series of Hindi seminars are being organised in London. The series of seminars will be held on Hindi stories, poems, literature and youth-Hindi students of the UK. The UK Hindi Samiti was formed in 1990 with a mission to promote Hindi language and literature in the UK. Over two decades, it has organised several international Hindi seminars and conferences including the 6th World Hindi Conference in London which was participated by over 600 delegates from across the world.

Since 1994 Hindi Samiti has been organizing an annual International Poetry Symposiums to reach the wider audience of UK. Dignitaries from the field of Hindi and culture in Britain are honoured on this occasion with Sanskriti Sewa Samman and Hindi Sewa Samman. Since 1997, it has been publishing the only literary quarterly magazine, Purwai, to give a creative platform to the international Hindi writers. The first collection of Hindi poets, Door Bagh Mein Sondhi Mittee (1997) and Hindi stories, Mittee ki Sugandh (1999) were published and launched by Hindi Samiti to promote the Hindi writers of UK.

The UK Hindi Samiti also organises annual written and speech competitions for Hindi students; winners are sent to India on an educational tour. Apart from the UK, this competition is held in Russia, Holland, Croatia, Romania, Ireland and Hungary. More than 80 Hindi students and 10 Hindi teachers have travelled to India from UK and Europe so far under this project.

In association with UK Hindi Samiti and Vatayan : Poetry on South Bank

Mon 09 August 6.15 pm
Exhibition of Photographs : The Past is Present and the Present is the Past
Philip McCormick

Originally a painter, Philip graduated in Drawing, Painting and Humanities from Art School in Edinburgh in 1985. He is a self-taught photographer, discovering a passion for photography 12 years ago, and began working professionally in 2005 as a freelance while living in India where he concentrated on portraits, landscapes and street photography, with the occasional editorial assignment. He continues to work on his own personal projects and had his first solo exhibition in 2009 at the Foto America Festival in Santiago, Chile, and the current exhibition is an extension of the themes presented there.

Living and travelling in India between 2004 and 2007, Philip witnessed not only the much celebrated diversity of the country but also the enormous changes that were taking place. Economic and technological growth is creating new urban landscapes and socio-cultures which co-exist and are bizarrely juxtaposed with ancient traditions, technology, ceremony and social strata. Within this there is one of the most striking things of all about India, the people – the multitudes, the people of the street and slums, the Bollywood stars and socialites of Mumbai, the Sadhus and the entrepreneurs. His India work takes a cross-section of this juxtaposition and the exhibition title refers to this as well as touching on the yogic, philosophical idea that there is no such thing as linear time with a past, present and future.

Inauguration : Peter Mukherjea, former CEO of Star TV India. Open until 20 August during working hours

Tue 10 August 6.30 pm
Dance : Bharatanatyam : Conversation with My Guru: Tandava and Lasya
Malini Srinivasan

Exploring concepts of Tandava and Lasya, Malini Srinivasan will present pieces choreographed by her Guru, the world-renowned C V Chandrasekhar, to find out how a student can learn from and interpret pieces which were created for a different body. She will also present some of her own choreography.

Trained initially by her mother, Radha Srinivasan, and grandmother, Komalavalli Mani, who were trained in the Pandanallur tradition by the great Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai, Malini performed her Arangetram under the guidance of Meena Raman. Now training with C V Chandrasekhar, she has also learnt Nattuvangam, Carnatic vocal, Kalaripayattu, Yoga, Sanskrit and Tamil in Chennai.

An acclaimed soloist performing regularly internationally, Malini has performed with the Padmini Chettur Group, Ragamala and Rajika Puri & Dance Troupe. She has choreographed Ode to Love’s Arrows and Tejas-Luminous. Her awards include the Dance in Queens Residency (2009), the LaGuardia Performing Arts Centre Residency (2010) and the Queens Council on the Arts Individual Artist Grant (2010). Based in Queens, NY, Malini is a Lecturer at the Asian & Asian-American Studies Department at SUNY, Stony Brook and is on the dance faculty of the Young Indian Culture Group.

Thu 12 August 6.30 pm
Swarnim Gujarat Celebration
Launch : The Gujarati Diaspora Writings in Britain

This evening the nine books edited by Prof Balvant Shantilal Jani on prominent British Gujarati authors including Balvant Nayak, Dahyabhai Patel, Jagdish Dave, Rajnikant Mehta, Vallabh Nadha, Pankaj Vora, Dipak Bardolikar, Adam Tankarvi and others will be launched.

Professor & Head of Dept of Gujarati Language & Literature; Dean, Arts Faculty, Saurashtra University, Rajkot; Balvant Shantilal Jani is a well-known Gujarati scholar in oral and medieval literature. Chairman of several government committees including State Level Organizing Committee of 50 Years of the Indian Republic Celebration, Gujarati Film Award Committee, Member of the task force committee for IITE of Govt of Gujarat etc, he is the honorary director of Gardi Research Institute of Diasporic Studies. Chief Editor of British Gujarati Disporic Literary publication series, Dr Jani has published more than 50 books and delivered lectures in international universities.

Presidential address : Kamlesh Joshipura , Vice chancellor, Saurashtra University . Chair : Prof Jagdish Dave, MBE, Diaspora writer and researcher; Hon Project Director, Gujarati Teaching Worldwide, Chandaria Foundation. Chief Guest : CB Patel, Editor of Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice In association with Dr Govind Desai, Principal, Birmingham College

Fri 13 August 6.30 pm
Film : Basundhara – The Earth

Written and directed by Hiren Bora, the critically acclaimed film had an impressive showing at the Kolkata Film Festival and the Third Eye Asian Film Festival in Mumbai. The first Assamese film to be released in 2010, starring Bishnu Kharghariya, Barsha Rani Bishaya, Saurav Hazarika, it takes a sensitive view of the conflict between man-elephant in the forested area of Sundarpur, revealing the ecological disaster wrought by the loss of habitat for the elephants due to illegal trafficking of wood, an unlicensed stone quarry and uncontrolled poaching. (117 min)

One must give credit to the film's director and producer for brilliantly fleshing out the central characters of the courageous Basundhara (enacted by actress Barsharani Bishaya), Arjun (Saurabh Hazarika) and Bikash Barua (Dr Iftekar Ahmed). To Mumbai's Vivek Banerjee goes the credit for the cinematography and Tarali Sharma, deserves plaudits for music direction.

In association with Rini Kakati, Assamese Community-UK (rinikakati@hotmail.com)

Tue 17 August 6.30 pm
Dance : Sattriya
Shatarupa Chatterjee

The eight classical dance of India, Sattriya was evolved by the great Vaishnava saint Shri Sankardeva during the mid 15th century to propagate his vaishnava philosophy among the common masses, which led to an upsurge in the cultural scenario of the Assamese society. Thus came into being Borgeets (devotional music and songs), Ankia Nat or Ankia Bhaona (theatre) and Sattriya dance.

The senior disciple of Guru Gorima Hazarika, Shatarupa Chatterjee has had the privilege to be trained under Guru Ghanakanta Barbayan of Kamalabari Sattra. She has also obtained special skills and received extensive training from Naren Chandra Barua. She has a Visharad Degree in Odissi from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahav Vidyalay Mandal, Mumbai. She also completed her postgraduate diploma in Choreography under the renowned Guru Dr Maya Rao. She has produced both Sanskrit and contemporary theme based dance dramas. In association with Asam Sahitya Sabha (s_lohan@hotmail.co.uk)

Fri 20 August 6.30 pm
Music : Voice of India
Debojit Saha

Born in 1973 in Silchar, Assam, Debojit Saha’s tryst with music is not limited to the last four years of fame and success when he won the Voice of India (2005 SaReGaMaPa Challenge). A Civil Engineer by profession, Debojit started out as a singer in All India Radio and Doordarshan Kendra in Silchar. He took the plunge to shift base to Mumbai and enrolled himself to learn Classical music from the Maestro Pt Askaran Sharma. He got certified in Sangeet Visharad and won the Mega Final Runner Up in a music contest, gazal-e-sara on Urdu Channel and released his first solo album, Debojit, which proved to be a runaway success.

Debojit has sung playback for many films including Funtoosh, 88 Antop Hill, and Jimmy. Aasma- Sky is the Limit and Chalte Rahenge Ye Raaste (with Mahalaxmi Iyer). His playback singing also extended to films in regional languages such as Assamese and Bangla. Singing jingles and songs in daily soaps such as Kyon Hota Hai Pyaar and Bhabi etc, Debojit also anchors a Bangla music reality show. He also participated in a music reality show on Star Plus, Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar, and made it to the final four. He also took his fans by surprise by appearing as one of the thirteen contestants in the Mega Reality show, Big Boss (based on Big Brother). He recently performed at the reality show, Music ka Maha Muquabla, on Star Plus with Shaan, Anwesha Dutta, Harshit Saxena and Shadab.

In association with Rini Kakati, Assamese Community-UK (rinikakati@hotmail.com)

Mon 23 August 6.30 pm
Book Launch : Children's Literature in 21st Century and IGCSE Hindi
Ved Mohla MBE in conversation with Kailash Budhwar

IGCSE HINDI is especially written for students preparing to sit for GCSE Hindi examination. The author has a vast experience of teaching Hindi to students for whom Hindi is not first language. That experience can be felt on every page of the book as it is full of tips how to obtain highest possible marks by carefully structure their answers to questions in the examination papers. Arguably the best researched book commenting on children’s literature in India, Children’s Literature in Twenty First Century compiles the huge list of writers engaged in producing high quality literary work, comparing the best in children’s literature in any language of the world.

Involved in teaching Hindi in the UK for over 30 years, Ved Mohla has been honoured by the Queen of England with MBE for his services to the field of education and the High Commission of India has decorated him with the John Gilchrist Award. His 4-volume book, Samoochi Hindi Shiksha. is being used in over 40 countries. He has authored over ten books and two are in press. He has guided a large number of Hindi students for ‘O’ and ‘A’ levels. Since its inception, he has been the convenor of UK Hindi Samiti’s Hindi Gyan Pratiyogita.

Launch : Kailash Budhwar (former Head BBC Hindi section), Aishwarj Kumar (Department of Middle Eastern Studies, Cambridge University), Zakia Zubairi (Councillor), Deepti Sharma (stage artist- Hindi and English). Anchor : Tejinder Sharma (General Secretary, Katha UK). In association with Katha UK and Asian Community Arts.

Tue 24 Aug 6.15 pm
Exhibition of Posters/Talk : Architectural Heritage of Kashmir
M Saleem Beg

Depicting various forms and elements of built heritage of Kashmir, this exhibition shows how the local craftsmen blended the building techniques and craft elements which gave rise to a unique form of architecture. Kashmir’s beautiful landscape, climate and rich traditions have contributed to the hospitality which is extended all travellers. Being at the crossroads of these cultural streams, it has evolved into a unique built heritage, which has over centuries given it the fame and recognition it amply deserves. INTACH, J&K chapter has been engaged in conservation and documentation of built, natural and material heritage. Since its inception in 2004, the Chapter has been able to create awareness and sensitivity about the cultural assets of Kashmir. The present lecture gives an over view of some of these projects and the work done by INTACH in the State.

Convener, Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH), J&K, Saleem Beg has been the Director General Tourism, J&K for a long time. Working on conservation projects for the Historic Mughal Gardens of Kashmir, he has lectured at Asia House London, India Tourism, Paris Heritage Tourism WS, University of Illinois, USA, and the International conference of National Trusts, Delhi.

In association with Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, Jammu & Kashmir Chapter and Kashmir Bhavan, Luton. Open until 27 August during office hours

Wed 25 August 6.30 pm
Lifting the Curtain: Niranjan Pal & Indo-British Collaboration in Cinema in the UK (1902-29)

This programme is to mark the launch of a new year-long Film Heritage Project focused on Niranjan Pal that South Asian Cinema Foundation (SACF) has begun this May. As an introduction to the period being covered by the project, clips from some significant films scripted by Niranjan Pal such as A Throw of Dice will be screened. There will also be interesting presentations on early cinema, filmmakers, filmmaking and film exhibition in Britain and on various film sources that can be tapped by students researching on how the fledgling film medium evolved and found its feet in Britain in the early decades of the twentieth century.

As part of this pioneering film Heritage Project, SACF is to collaborate with The Nehru Centre, Watermans, British Library, British Film Institute, Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan and others to organise a wide range of activities includeing introducing volunteers to film research, producing a new publication, organising an exhibition, screening films, dramatic reconstructions and making power point presentations to highlight the main findings of the project.

Introduction: Lalit Mohan Josh; Speakers : David Somerset (British Film Institute (BFI), Dr Luke McKernan (British Library) and Dr Kusum Pant Joshi (SACF), Presenter: Rhia Roy; Chair: Prof John Eade.

Thu 26 August 7.30 pm
Martial Art : Kalaripayattu
Bodhidharma

To be held at Sangam Centre, 210 Burnt Oak Broadway, Edgware, Middlesex HA8 0AP, For further information, please ring 020 - 8952 7062 or e-mail : info@sangamcentre.co.uk

Kalaripayattu today has few canters that practice and teach the basics of Kalaripayattu in its original form as conceived and followed by masters of yore. Kalaripayattu owes its genesis to a union of different elements as laid down in the ancient Vedic texts on weaponry and science viz Dhanurveda and Ayurveda. The Gurukkal (master) Soman Poonthura has literally turned out the two-acre land at Poonthura into a holistic centre for Kalaripayattu under the command of State Government. A well known criminal lawyer, Soman is also the president of Kerala Kalaripayattu Association and executive member of Kerala Sports Council.

Over the years, Bodhidharma has earned the appreciation and support of many groups and individuals as a centre of excellence in the time tested martial art tradition of Kerala. With a visionary master like Soman Poonthura and the members of the Kalari at the helm of affairs, the activities of Bodhidharma uphold the traditional values and practice of Kalaripayattu in its entirety.

Fri 27 August 6.30 pm
Film : Kushal Konwar : The Great Martyr From Assam
Jahnu Barua

Quit India Movement in Assam is a saga of patriotism of such martyrs as Kushal Konwar, whose birth centenary falls this year. When Non-Cooperation Movement started under Gandhiji, he left school and joined the movement in a patriotic zeal. During the Quit India movement, he led the people of Sarupathar as the president of the local Congress Committee. A group of the ‘Mrityu Bahini’ of Golaghat derailed a military train near Sarupathar on 10 October, 1942, which resulted in the deaths of many soldiers. Police arrested 42 patriots including Kushal Konwar. Although Kushal was a true Gandhian, the British held him as the chief suspect for the derailment and deaths. When Kushal’s wife went to meet him in the jail, he consoled her by saying, If my death can be a factor to bring the freedom to our people, then I will be the luckiest to lay down my insignificant life at the altar of our country’s freedom. Finally, when the fateful day arrived on 15 June, 1943, Kushal walked up to the gallows with a smile on his face and chanted a few lines from the ‘Kirtan’ before embracing his death. He was only 38 years old.

Multi National Award winner, Jahnu Barua’s films have won over 20 awards at international film festivals including Silver Leopard at Locarno. His films brought Assamese cinema and culture to the international audience. His Hindi film, I did not kill Gandhi, was released globally by Yash Raj films. He is working on a major English film, Homing Pigeons, set in UK and Assam. Board member of Satyajit Ray Film Television Institute of India, Kolkata, he is also a guest professor at prestigious film institutions. He was honoured with Padmashree by the President of India for his contribution to Indian cinema. (www.dolphinfilmsindia.com)

In association with Rini Kakati, for further information, please e-mail her at rinikakati@hotmail.com

Mon 30 August 2.00 pm
An Evening with the Visiting Indian Poets
The 17th Virat Kavi Sammellan

The Nehru Centre. On this occasion the Annual Vatayan : Poetry on South Bank Award will be presented to the distinguished poet, Lakshmi Shankar Vajpeyi, along with the Sanskriti Sewa Samman and the Hindi Sewa Samman of the UK Hindi Samiti.

A galaxy of eminent and acclaimed poets from India and UK will participate in this Virat Kavi Sammelan including the well known ghazalkar, Laxmishankar Bajpeyi, who has won this year’s Vatayan : Poetry on South Bank Award.

In collaboration with the UK Hindi Samiti and Vatayan: Poetry on South Bank. For further information, please e-mail at hindisamiti@hotmail.com

Mon 30 August 5.30 pm
Illustrated Talk : Mayapur - The Temple of Vedic Planetarium
Sukanti Radha

The ISKCON Mayapur campus is a beautiful oasis of many, many acres. Having broken architectural records on many occasions, it houses several architectural feats; including the longest building in Kolkata, and the largest dome in Asia with the upcoming largest temple in the world called the Temple of Vedic Planetarium (and more in the making). Fountain gardens, lotus ponds and winding lanes, simply add to the spiritually charged atmosphere.

In association with ISKCON Mayapur

Tue 31 August 6.15 pm
Exhibition of Posters : A Lifetime to Paint
Dr Dolly Prasad

An MBBS from Sardar Patel University, Gujarat, Dr Dolly Prasad was fascinated by Gujarat, which added a new dimension to her vivid world of human expression - the colourful visual presence of Gujarati men and women (and indeed Rajasthani). As a doctor, her world initially seemed to revolve around understanding the human anatomy rather than the human emotions; but soon she realized that hospital was the place to witness extreme human emotions - somber silence, extreme joy, hope, despair, pain and loss. Uninhibited and untrained human emotions charmed her.

Dr Prasad’s paintings are just a representation of some and many others of these shades and paradigms that she picked up at different stages in her life and each of these paintings remind her that she has yet to pick up many more hues to fill up some empty lines, some yet to be filled up nooks; a life-long unravelling with these tinges, an affair to last a lifetime.

Open until 4 September during office hours

Wed 01 Sep 6.30 pm
Book Launch : DRG DRSYA VIVEKA – The Yoga of Seer and Seen Clarissa

This is a new translation and commentary by Clarissa on Drg Drsya Viveka, a short, but powerful scripture of 31 verses, attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, who is said to have lived in the ninth century. The focus of this scripture is awareness itself. From normal daily life, attention is taken all the way to awareness, in which the experiences are happening.

Clarissa has been practising and teaching Yoga in India and Europe for some years. Her interest in Indian philosophy has led her to explore Sanskrit scriptures as a way to deepen her own Yoga practice. From early childhood Clarissa has lived around the world, spending the last fifteen years in India. She has explored varied spiritual traditions, working with several teachers. In the early years, the focus was on Sufi, Buddhist and Dzogchen teachings. Later on Yoga and Vipasana meditation have become the main practice. Her inner journey really took off when she started practicing Yoga, and met her teacher Mansoor, with whom she has been working closely for the last ten years. Clarissa teaches Yoga in India and in Europe and is currently based between Brighton and Rishikesh.

Fri 03 Sep 6.30 pm
Dance : Yakshagana
Radhakrishna Urala Kota

A performer of female roles in Yakshagana since he was five, including Ambhe in Bheeshma Vijaya, Vishaye in Chandrahasa Charithe, Bramara Kunthala in Rani Shahiprabhe, Radhakrishna Urala was an artiste of Yaksha Degula troupe and now works with Kalakadamba Art Centre. He has toured India, Ukraine and Russia with the Yaksha Degula troupe enacting the characters of Krishna, Balarama and Abhimanyu. Part of the devising team for Border Crossings’ play, Orientations, he has performed in both the 2003 and 2004 versions. He has also worked on the 2010 production, Re-Orientations, in Shanghai and London, and will be performing it at Soho Theatre in September.

Michael Walling is Artistic Director of Border Crossings. He has directed numerous productions across four continents, winning awards for Two Gentlemen of Verona in the US and Paul & Virginie in Mauritius. Border Crossings productions include: The Dilemma of a Ghost, Dis-Orientations, Uniforms & Hoodies, Bullie’s House, Orientations, Double Tongue (UK & Hungary), Mappa Mundi (UK & Mexico), Toufann, Twelfth Night (Mauritius, Seychelles & Zimbabwe), and Fool for Love. He directed The Tempest in Bangalore.

Accompanists : Spatica Ramanujam and Michael Walling

Sat 04 Sep 6.15 pm
Exhibition of Mixed Media : Rhythm of Colours by Arshi Ahmed

A distinguished name in the world of art, Arshi Ahmed calls herself a child who is learning how to walk, The World of art is enormous and magnificent, I am amazed by the fact that there is so much to learn and live. Making a mark with creativity on canvas, Arshi honed her skills at the Art School of Cairo, Egypt. She showcased her skills by curating a unique art show by bringing under one roof the work of 93 renowned artists of Delhi in the Umbrella Show. Reel of Life which portrayed the art of cinema on canvas, wildlife theme based Save The Jungle for Menaka Gandhi, spreading a global message Say No To Plastic Bags with a special presentation of belle dancers and Art For A Sunnier Tomorrow which brought light into the lives of many underprivileged children, Bhimbhetka, painting the walls in the Surajkund Craft Fair for the Madhya Pradesh Government, curating Vrindavan Mahotsav are some examples which created a furore among the art-lovers.

Sat 04 Sep 6.15 pm
Exhibition of Mixed Media : Burnt Oak by Naresh Kapuria

One of the most creative contemporary artists, whose understanding of the arts spans diverse disciplines, Naresh Kapuria has been awarded with the Chevalier de' arts and letters by the French Government, one of the highest recognitions in the field of art, Award of Excellence from the Romanian Government, the Order of the Crown from the Government of Belgium, the Charles Wallace Trust Award and the Triennial of India Award. Naresh Kapuria has more than 40 years of experience in the field using different mediums and has designed several Festivals of India abroad. Open on Sunday, the 5th of September between 11 am to 6 pm

Tue 07 Sep 6.15 pm
Exhibition of Paintings : Bishoy Mahabharata
Kurchi Dasgupta

Kurchi Dasgupta re-interprets the magnificent epic, The Mahabharata in her new series through oil, gouache and mixed media on canvas. Comprising approximately 18 pieces, the series attempts to unravel The Mahabharata’s multilayered experience for the viewer. To document her response to the epic as a visual artist in terms of history, culture, gender and exposure to contemporary art practices, she covers a wide range of themes. While renditions of the Adi Parva express the all-encompassing, pieces like Draupadi delve into the world the characters inhabit. Death of Duryodhana and The Forest series are instances of how key incidents find a place in her repertoire while Hell or Heaven explores the human mind instead. Her engagement with The Mahabharata found expression in her solo exhibition, The Mahabharata: An Impression at Siddhartha Art Gallery in January 2010 (Kathmandu). Her works have already been shown in London twice - in a collective at The Brick Lane Gallery (2007) and the solo World Cinema: A Dialogue at the M P Birla Millennium Gallery (2008).

Kurchi grew up in Kolkata, studied commercial art and did her postgraduation in Comparative Literature. She renders modern Bengali masterpieces into English, and has done illustrations for books, publishing and screenplays. A former CEO of the Society for the Preservation of Satyajit Ray Films in India, she now lives and works in Kathmandu (www.kurchidasgupta.com)

Open until 10 September during office hours