Pune to Dubai, Rutuja Marne and Swarashri Shridhar come together in a duet that unites two classical traditions and two personal journeys. Swarashri, raised in Dubai, trained in Kathak under Dr. Pali Chandra at Gurukul Studios. For her, dance has always been a way to share stories that feel intimate and relatable, and she now also works as a choreographer shaping narratives that blend tradition with contemporary relevance. Rutuja discovered Bharatanatyam as the first in her family to embrace the art, inspired by televised performances that sparked what would become her full-time calling.

Their work Bol Sakhi draws on the historic friendship of Savitribai Phule and Fatima

Sheikh, two women whose courage transformed education in India. Through Bharatanatyam and Kathak, Rutuja and Swarashri embody their journey of solidarity and change, with heavy Hindustani ragas grounding the performance. More than a duet, it becomes a dialogue of companionship, courage and evolution.

For both artists, Bol Sakhi is deeply personal, echoing their own belief in the strength of women supporting one another. For audiences, it is an invitation to reflect on friendship not as rivalry but as a source of empowerment and shared growth.