A captivating dance musical, ‘Kathatit,’ explored the profound question of which relationships truly matter beyond blood ties. Spearheaded by Vaidehi Parshurami, the performance used evocative dance and a unique blend of classical and contemporary music to portray a young woman’s journey through various bonds, leaving audiences deeply moved and reflective.

On a quiet Saturday night at Balgandharva Rangmandir, a dance musical unfolded, one that placed a very contemporary question at its core – which relation matters more than your blood relations?

Vaidehi Parshurami leads a moment of introspection as Kathatit explores the meaning of relationships beyond blood ties (Picture credits: Jignesh Mistry)

Kathatit, spearheaded by actor and Kathak dancer Vaidehi Parshurami, actress Archana Nipankar, drummer Nikhil Sugwekar, Purcussionist Sajiri Deshpande and Tabla maestro Amol Mali, followed the journey of a young woman fluent in the language of likes and followers on social media, but posed a question that social media cannot answer.

Archana Nipankar in a performance moment from Kathatit (Picture credits: Jignesh Mistry)

The performance saw the young woman moving through different equations – the guru-student bond, friendships, love, and the quieter relationship between an artist and the audience. Instead of dialogue-heavy storytelling, the show unfolded through dance, using movement to mark emotional shifts and discoveries.

Through Kathak and contemporary movement, the production traces a young woman’s journey from social media validation to real connections (Picture credits: Jignesh Mistry)

Music that mirrors the mixThe soundscape reflects the show’s thematic blend. Classical instruments like the tabla, harmonium and flute were used alongside drums, electric guitar, keys and cajon. At one point, the production also touches on the tendency to compare musical forms within Indian culture, gently questioning the need to decide which is better. For Vaidehi, the show took shape gradually. “The way the concept came about was a little accidental, to be honest. I always knew I wanted to do something with Kathak; I just couldn’t figure out what. Kathak has always been such a huge part of my life. So, I enlisted the help of my friend and writer, Mukta Bam, and told her I wanted to create something. I met all my co-artists in this show over the last year, and the idea gradually took shape from there,” she shared.

Live music blending tabla, flute, drums guitar and cajon mirrors the show’s mix of classical and modern influences (Picture credits: Jignesh Mistry)

The audience’s takeawayThe theme landed well with the audience. “Memories resurface just by watching and listening. This show felt exactly like that. I especially loved the second half,” said youngstre Ishani Joshi, while architect Siddhi Upadhye called the show a visual treat with intense sequences.

Amol Mali and Sajiri Deshpande in sync during an intense sequence that questions how we measure closeness in the digital age (Picture credits: Jignesh Mistry)

PULL QUOTES“This is a topic I feel very strongly about. Social media has become such a huge part of our lives that we often seek love, appreciation and validation from people who don’t really know the real you-Vaidehi Parshurami, actress and performer“We brainstormed and worked extensively on the show for almost a year. Watching it all come to fruition gives us all deep satisfaction. We are trying to bring together different styles and genres of music and our writer, Mukta Bam, helped immensely with that-Archana Nipankar, actress and singer