Events of the week

Devotional dance

What: In her effort to “en-dance the universe,” Geeta Chandran engages in a strategic range of dance-related activities: performing, teaching, conducting, singing, collaborating, organising, writing and speaking to a youth audience. As celebrated Bharatanatyam performer, she brings to you Samagama Leela – an autobiographical journey into the ocean of bhakti (devotion). In her solo Bharatanatyam performance, she narrates how Bhakti impacted her life – from early childhood and through her journey through life as a classical dancer, and how it influenced her as a person.

When: June 29 (6:30 pm)

Where: India International Centre, 40 Lodi Estate

Setting love right

What: In love with each other since their high-school days, Preetam Kumar Chopra and Hema Roy grew up together in the by-lanes of Chandni Chowk, Delhi. But they were separated due to circumstances and felt let down. In the autumn of their lives, 35 years later, they meet again to discover the truth behind their separation. They now meet in New Delhi’s Lodhi Gardens and pour out their hearts. What they discover is totally astonishing and in contrast with what they had been imagining about each other all their lives. Do they forgive each other? Can they start their lives afresh? Can women ever be on the same footing as men in our patriarchal system?  Will society allow two responsible individuals the freedom to live a life of their choice? To get answers to all these questions, drop in to watch the play Mera Woh Matlab Nahi Tha, which stars a stellar line-up with Neena Gupta and Anupam Kher.

When: June 30 (12 noon)

Where: Siri Fort auditorium

Urdu fest

What: Set in an Urdu class, this film is about the effort and the joy involved in learning a new language. Zabaan Par is an exploration of the fault lines between politics, history and language. Drawing on passages from CM Naim’s Ambiguities of Heritage, the film seeks to reflect upon the history of Urdu and the significance it holds in India, where the film-maker tries to learn the language. It is also an attempt to document understand the relevance of language and nationalism in a constantly changing city. The screening of the film will be followed by a talk on Urdu as a political act.

When: June 16 (6:30 pm – 9:30 pm)

Where: Karvaan India, Ghaffar Manzil, Lane – 1