BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Atlanta, GA, May 9, 2025: In a resplendent display of tradition, grace, and creative expression, the India American Cultural Association (IACA) brought together the Indian-American community for its much-anticipated annual cultural showcase — Rhythms of India 2025. Held on April 20 at Berkmar High School, the event honored the richness of India’s classical dance heritage while paying a vibrant tribute to the centenary of one of India’s most beloved cinematic icons — Raj Kapoor.
The auditorium came alive with energy as families, students, and art lovers gathered for an evening that promised cultural pride, exceptional performances, and an enduring artistic legacy. The event was graced by Hon. Nishi Arora, Head of Chancery from the Office of the Consulate General of India, Atlanta, who served as Guest of Honor and applauded the community’s continued commitment to cultural preservation.
At the helm of the production was Geetanjali Talukdar, whose artistic direction brought coherence, elegance, and narrative depth to each segment of the show. Supporting her vision behind the scenes was Technical Director Runa Talukdar, who handled everything from stage visuals to production logistics with great finesse.
Geetanjali Talukdar, Program Director of Rhythms of India for the sixth consecutive year, reflected on the event with heartfelt emotion. “What a spectacular show on a beautiful spring day… with a house full audience,” she said. “My heart is full of pride and joy seeing my vision come alive. The different genres of Indian classical dance — the soul of ROI — were performed to perfection by artists from some of the most eminent dance schools in Atlanta.”
The classical segment of the evening featured a stellar lineup of performances rooted in centuries-old traditions. Laasya School of Performing Arts, LLC presented Mohiniyattam, the elegant classical dance from Kerala. Dancers in traditional white and gold attire moved with lyrical grace, narrating stories of devotion and longing with subtle facial expressions and soft, swaying movements that left the audience mesmerized.
KalashramUSA – School of Kathak Dance & Performing Arts and Nrithya Natya Kala Bharti Dance & Music brought the intricate footwork, rhythmic storytelling, and high-energy spins of Kathak to the stage. The performers’ ghungroos echoed with thunderous precision, and their expressive narratives captured the beauty of Kathak’s roots in both temples and royal courts.
Bharatanatyam, the ancient dance form of Tamil Nadu, was showcased by Nrithya Samarpanam, Deeksha School of Performing Arts, and Kalaivani Dance Academy. These performances stood out for their sculptural poses, rhythmic complexity, and expressive abhinaya (emotive storytelling). Vibrantly costumed dancers depicted mythological stories through intricate gestures and synchronized choreography, drawing deep emotional responses from the audience.
A grand shift in mood came during the second half of the show, dedicated to the legendary Raj Kapoor on his birth centenary. This segment celebrated the timeless legacy of the “Greatest Showman of Indian Cinema” , transporting the audience to the golden age of Bollywood.
Nrithya Natya Kala Bharti presented a second performance — a creative fusion piece interwoven with Kathak — honoring Kapoor’s contributions to music and cinema while preserving classical roots. The Dhoop Chaon Hindi Theater Group, led by Sandhya Saxena Bhagat, added dramatic flair with a theatrical interlude, reminding attendees of the multi-dimensional nature of Indian performing arts.
Naveen Gurnaney delivered a heartfelt solo performance of classic Raj Kapoor songs, adding a nostalgic musical layer to the evening. Dance groups such as Awara Dil, Bharata Kala Natya, Dance Flix, and Sangam Group recreated iconic film moments from “Awara Hoon” to “Mera Naam Joker.” With vibrant costumes, theatrical storytelling, and projected vintage reels, they brought Kapoor’s timeless cinema alive for a new generation.
“The special Raj Kapoor tribute took our audience back to a time when stories were heartwarming, music was simple, and actors poured their soul into their roles,” Talukdar added. “It was overwhelming to see tears in the eyes of many during our grand finale performance of ‘Jeena Yahaan Marna Yahaan’—a moment I will never forget.”
The success of Rhythms of India 2025 was made possible by the dedication of numerous individuals behind the scenes. “I am immensely thankful to all the performers, to Rahul Jog for the beautiful lighting and visuals, and to Samir Gaekwad for handling AV,” said Geetanjali Talukdar. “Special thanks also to Jyothsna Hegde for her work on the technical side and for creating the event flyer, to Renuka Molletti and Ekta Sethi for their stunning photography, and most of all to my daughter, Runa Talukdar, who created the Raj Kapoor backdrop, flyers, tickets, dancer spotlights, and program leaflets.”
The event also acknowledged its generous sponsors, whose support made the large-scale production possible. Platinum Sponsor: Walia Hospitality Group – Ricky Walia. Gold Sponsors: Mr. Vishwanath Ganti, Dr. Ritu Chadha, and the Aligarh Alumni Association of Atlanta. Silver Sponsors included KalashramUSA, Technical Design Services LLC – Dr. Baren K. Talukdar, Laasya School of Dance, Disha Boutique, Mr. Brahma & Mrs. Rita Goel, Mr. Dhananjay Gupta, Dr. Paddy Sharma, and Mr. Kaushal Tripathi. Additional sponsors were Dr. Vir Nanda, Mrs. Sangeeta Jain, Mrs. Madhu Sheth, Mr. Kris Gadde, Mrs. Gayatri Sudhakar, and Mr. Ani Agnihotri.
“Nothing looks good without the presence of our warm and supportive audience,” Talukdar concluded. “We hope to have your continued support for IACA in the future. God bless!”
Rhythms of India 2025 succeeded in striking a delicate balance between the sacred traditions of classical Indian dance and the nostalgic magic of Indian cinema. It reflected the versatility of Indian culture and the evolving identity of the Indian-American diaspora — proudly rooted in heritage, yet joyfully celebrating new forms of artistic expression.
