Cultural Extravaganza Marks Shahana’s 51st Anniversary with ‘Rajendranandini’ and ‘Alokdhara’

MUMBAI, NATIONAL, 27 AUGUST, 2026 | GPN, SACHIN MURDESHWAR: Shahana (Tagore Centre for Indian Music and Culture), a renowned institution dedicated to preserving and promoting India’s rich heritage of music, dance and culture, will celebrate its 51st anniversary and the grand finale of its Golden Jubilee year with a spectacular cultural evening on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 6:15 p.m. at the Veer Savarkar Auditorium.

The event promises to be a memorable artistic experience, bringing together the finest elements of dance, music, poetry and theatre through two distinctive productions—‘Rajendranandini – The Warrior Princess’ and ‘Alokdhara’.

Directed by acclaimed choreographer Anusree Bonnerjee and scripted by Upamanyu Bhattacharya, Rajendranandini – The Warrior Princess is a unique and contemporary adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore’s timeless dance drama Chitrangada. The production highlights themes of gender equality, inner beauty and the strength of womanhood. Renowned dancer Anil Kumar Singh will portray the pivotal role of Arjun, a character he describes as one of the most cherished in his artistic journey.

Speaking about his role, Singh said, “Working with Shahana Dance Company has always been an inspiring experience. Arjun in ‘Chitrangada’ is a role that has remained very close to my heart, and it is an honour to portray the character once again.”

The evening’s second presentation, ‘Alokdhara’, is a thematic concert of Rabindra Sangeet, conceived as a tribute to Shahana’s founders—Indrani Acharya, Sunanda Majumdar and Snigdha Basu. Young Rabindra Sangeet artistes Shramana Chattopadhyay, Megh and Palashi Ghosh will present soulful renditions exploring the three manifestations of divine feminine energy—Creation, Preservation and Regeneration. Each segment will be introduced through poetry by Upamanyu Bhattacharya.

The performances will feature musical direction by Arup Chowdhury, while Anusree Bonnerjee, Purbita Mukherjee and Anil Kumar Singh will lead the dance presentations.

Celebrating more than five decades of cultural excellence, the event promises to be a grand tribute to Tagore’s artistic legacy and an unforgettable evening for lovers of Indian classical music, dance and literature. Organisers have invited art enthusiasts and the general public to attend the celebrations in large numbers.