Edition 6
2024
Stories from the Soul" was a reflection of the deepest human emotions, experiences, and expressions, brought to life through the universal language of art. These were not just stories narrated by words but by movements, melodies, colors, and performances that emerged from the very core of the artist’s being. They were imbued with a sense of authenticity and intimacy, resonating on a level that transcended the ordinary. In Edition 6, each of these art forms—music, dance, theatre, and visual arts—served as a medium for these soulful stories to unfold. Dance became a poetic expression where each movement told a story of love, loss, or transformation, embodying the grace and depth of human emotion. Music touched the heartstrings with its melodies, evoking emotions that words alone could not express. Theatre breathed life into powerful human experiences, portraying stories that are rich with meaning and raw with emotion. Visual arts encapsulated these stories in vivid colours and forms, each piece a visual narrative that spoke to became the soul. The festival, anchored by the theme of expression, became a grand stage for these stories to be told. Each artist, through their chosen medium, brought forth a unique perspective—one that invited the audience not just to observe but to feel, connect, and resonate with the work. Here, the art was not merely something to be seen or heard; it was an intimate conversation between the artist’s soul and the audience, creating moments of deep reflection and emotional connection.
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Mentors
Khanjan Dalal
A multi-faceted artist born in 1975, Khanjan Dalal transforms clay through mesmerizing gas and wood-fired techniques, creating textural masterpieces that breathe life into ceramic art. Trained at M.S. University and Amsterdam's Gerrit Rietveld Akademie, he not only crafts extraordinary sculptures but champions ceramic arts through the Indian Ceramic Art Foundation. Rooted in Ahmedabad, Dalal continues to push artistic boundaries, exhibiting work that tells stories of fire, form, and creative exploration.
Kruti Mahesh
Kruti Mahesh Midya is a renowned Indian dancer and choreographer who is celebrated for her exceptional work in Bollywood. Born into a Tamil Brahmin family in Mumbai, her passion for dance ignited at the tender age of five, leading to a professional Arangetram at fourteen. Despite pursuing a Master's in Forensic Science in London, a family health crisis brought her back to India, where her father’s encouragement reignited her dance dreams. Balancing her scientific career with her artistic aspirations, Kruti eventually dedicated herself full-time to choreography. Her innovative and captivating work, exemplified by the award-winning songs "Ghoomar" and "Dholida," has solidified her position as a leading choreographer in the industry. Mentored by Terence Lewis and having assisted Remo D’Souza, Kruti’s journey from a young dancer to a celebrated choreographer is an inspiring testament to her talent, perseverance, and dedication. She brings her wealth of experience and expertise to Abhivyakti Edition 6 as a mentor, guiding and inspiring aspiring dancers to reach their full potential.
Rajat Dholakia
Presented with numerous national awards and the composer of over 300 popular jingles, Rajat Dholakia, aka Juku, is a multi-faceted musician and sound designer. While he is primarily self-taught in the field of melodies, his musical roots trace back to a broad spectrum of influences. From Indian classical to Western classical to Gujarati and Hindi film music - Rajat’s harmonic rhythms have left remarkable footprints in all these genres! Currently working on composing Western classical and fusion symphonies, his accolades include the conferring of the National Film Award for the best music director for Dharavi in 1991 and for Sunday in 1992. A committed and dedicated music composer with his feet held firmly on the ground, but talent touching the skies, Rajat Dholakia profoundly navigated his musical path, carrying forward his melodious family legacy. Renowned for his work in Mirch Masala (1987), Holi (1985), and Firaaq (2008), his contribution to Bollywood by introducing Chhattisgarhi music is a prominent milestone in both his career and the history of Bollywood music. He also collaborated with the music maestro, A.R. Rahman, on the song ‘Genda Phool’ (Delhi 6, 2009), bringing influences of Chhattisgarhi music into the song. Another feather on his musical career cap is his sound design and music contribution to around 8000 commercial and public service films at national and international levels.
Saumya Joshi
Saumya Joshi wears many creative hats. He is an award-winning playwright, director, actor, and poet. Known for his powerful storytelling, Saumya Joshi has made his mark in theatre, films, and screenwriting. His critically acclaimed play, 'Welcome Zindagi' with more than 1000 shows in Gujarati, a successful run in Hindi, and his work as a lyricist for the chart-breaking song "Khalasi" are where he skilfully crafts compelling narratives. His most celebrated work, 102 Not Out, has been performed over 600 times across India and abroad. It was also adapted into a popular film starring Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor.
Curators
Dhara Dave Vyas
Dhara Dave Vyas developed a love for art and colour in childhood, exploring drawing, clay, metal and paper mache before deepening her understanding through Art History and Aesthetics. A graduate of the Faculty of Fine Arts at M.S.U. Baroda, she is fascinated by the intangible, seeking to capture the essence of what defies easy explanation. Her artistic vision challenges the biases that cloud our perception of beauty. As Visual Arts Curator at Abhivyakti, she brings both scholarly depth and genuine creative passion.
Mansi Modi
Mansi Modi is a Kathak maestro trained under Padma Vibhushan Smt. Kumudini Lakhia, with over a decade of professional dance experience spanning classical and contemporary styles. She pioneered Belly Dancing in Ahmedabad through her studio D-Dancing Street and has performed internationally, representing Indian culture from India to Paris. Through Abhivyakti, she has pushed boundaries with Flash Mobs and curated performances like Tinge of Actuality and Confluence. In Edition 6, her vision is to create a transformative platform celebrating dance in all its diversity.
