Edition 7
2025
There were stories that echoed through generations. And then, there were stories waiting to be told. Waiting, in the silence between two musical notes. In the unfinished brushstrokes. In the spaces between words. In the breath before a dialogue was spoken. Or in the stillness between two feet on stage. These were the stories that lived in the pause, the personal. They were significant moments one wanted to share because they resonated or invoked a feeling. These stories brewed within, diffusing an aroma of emotions indicating their readiness to be savoured; and when an artist realised it, they began their expressive journey. At Abhivyakti Edition 7, we offered a stage for these unspoken narratives to emerge. We were the juncture, where an artist only had to look forward from. We were a nudge in the right direction, and our best offerings included guidance, production support and a door that opened up to possibilities. Through Dance, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts & Literature; these stories took form, voice, rhythm, shape and space. And as for the audience, they became catalysts for an empowering journey capturing sensory and emotional stimuli, and witnessing a part of themselves evolve, rise and shine.
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Dance
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Literature
Mentors
Khanjan Dalal
A multi-faceted artist born in 1975, Khanjan Dalal transforms clay through mesmerising 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 also 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 Masters 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 routes 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 Chattisgarhi 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 Chattishgarhi 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.
Rajesh Vyas 'Miskin'
Rajesh Vyas 'Miskin' is a distinguished Gujarati-language poet and editor. Born and brought up in Ahmedabad, he has completed his doctorate in Gujarati literature. Currently, he writes ghazal poetry and columns in various publications.✒️ He is a master of the ghazal form, with notable anthologies like Chhodine Aav Tu. His contributions have earned him several major honours, including the Kalapi Award, the Kumar Suvarna Chandrak and Narsinh Mehta Award, among others.
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
Gopal Agarwaal
Gopal Agarwal is a dance curator and artistic director of Dance Inc. India with over a decade of experience in contemporary, jazz and ballet. A graduate of the Terence Lewis Professional Training Institute with distinction, he has contributed significantly as a faculty member, lecturer and choreographer. His expertise combines technical precision with creative expression, and he is the creator of the MI Movement Intelligence framework, a unique approach to contemporary dance. He continues to inspire through groundbreaking productions and dynamic workshops.
Gurleen Judge
Gurleen Judge is a playwright, director and lighting designer with over 12 years of experience creating innovative theatre. Known for blending text, movement, music and visual design, she is a recipient of the Vinod Doshi-Tendulkar-Dubey Fellowship and was listed among The Week's 40 Under 40. Her directorial work on Girish Karnad's Agni and Barkha received critical acclaim, and her film Cycle Mahesh has won numerous international awards. Beyond her creative work, she is deeply committed to teaching and mentoring the next generation.
Tapas Relia
Tapas Relia is a celebrated music composer and producer who has been a defining force in Indian music for over two decades. Known for sonic storytelling across advertising, film and digital media, his work includes iconic jingles for Close-Up and Domino's, the Mumbai Indians anthem, and soundtracks for Kaun Banega Crorepati and Bigg Boss. His film compositions include Hanuman, Ferrari Ki Sawaari and Dhanak. He was recently honoured with the Mirchi Music Award for his score in Goldfish.
Jay Thakkar
Jay Thakkar is a visual arts curator and practitioner whose work explores the intersection of art, space and community. Based in Ahmedabad, he brings a thoughtful and researched approach to curating visual experiences that challenge assumptions and invite deeper looking. As Visual Arts Curator for Abhivyakti Edition 7, Jay is committed to creating a platform where emerging and established artists can present work that is both visually compelling and rooted in genuine artistic intent.
Preeti Das
Preeti Das is a literature curator and writer with a deep appreciation for the Gujarati literary tradition and contemporary writing across languages. At Abhivyakti Edition 7, she helms the Literature department, a newly introduced art form at the festival, bringing a carefully considered curation of voices spanning poetry, prose and performance writing. Her commitment is to create space for writers whose work resonates honestly and opens meaningful conversation with audiences across generations.
