Woman| Life| Freedom

In Conversation: Swara Bhaskar, acclaimed actor and advocate for gender justice, civil liberties and democratic rights with Sujata Prasad, author, curator, founder, Ahad Anhad and works across heritage education and the arts and Oroon Das, designer, curator and theatre artist.

This is the 22nd Conversation in this Series
(Collaboration: Ahad Anhad)

IIC MONSOON FESTIVAL OF MUSIC

Hindustani Vocal Recital 
By Siddharth Sahai from Delhi, disciple of Guru Sanjeev Jha
Accompanist: Roman Das (Pakhawaj)

Dhrupad Bandhu 
By Sanjeev Jha and Manish Kumar from Bihar, disciple of Gundecha Brothers.
Accompanists: Pandit Dalchand Sharma (Pakhawaj)

IIC MONSOON FESTIVAL OF DANCE: 20 & 21 AUGUST 2026

Odissi Recital
By Geetanjali Acharya from Gurugram, disciple of Late Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra & Guru Sujata Mohapatra

At 19:00

Bharatanatyam Recital
By Apeksha Kamath from Bangalore, disciple of Acharya Smt. Indira Kadambi  

Amma’s Way: A Journey to Embrace the World Again
(2022; 85 minutes; English)

Directed by Anna Agnelli  
 

A documentary that follows the life and humanitarian work of Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, widely known as Amma or "The Hugging Saint." The film explores how one person's message of love and care has inspired millions around the world, inviting reflection on the power of kindness and our shared responsibility toward one another in an increasingly divided world.

(Collaboration: Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness The Dalai Lama)
 

Book Discussion Group

The Unbecoming: Let Life Reveal its Purpose

By Kartikeya Vajpai (‎Penguin eBury Press, 2025)

Kartikeya Vajpeyi in conversation with Neelima Dalmia Adhar, Author and Convener for Delhi NCR at the Prabha Khaitan Foundation
 

Raseedi Ticket – A Journey into the Soul of Amrita Pritam

(Inspired by the autobiography, stories, and poetry of Padma Vibhushan Amrita Pritam)

Design and Direction: Dr. Savita Rani; Writer: Sudha Adukula; Actor: Shalom Sannutha; Art: Khaju Guttal 
Music: Munna Mysore

Inspired by Amrita Pritam's autobiography, stories and poetry, Raseedi Ticket is a one-woman play that traces the life and literary journey of one of India's most celebrated writers. The play explores themes of love, rebellion, freedom and the resilience of women, offering an intimate portrait of the woman behind the words.
 

Afsaana Hui Shaam: Dramatized reading of short stories of Begum Masroor Jahan

Performers: Saira Mujtaba; Sunita Singh; Tariquee Haameed

The play is an endeavour of promoting intimate literary ‘mehfils’ where the storyteller/raconteurs present short stories through voice acting alone. Four stories would be read – Lootera, Kunji, Khoye Huye Lamhe and Jilawatan.

(Collaboration: Wings Cultural Society)

Nar-Hari: 6 Verses from Shri Guru Granth Sahib & Panchvani

An Inclusive Sankirtan where Music, Mysticism & Spirituality Meet Science

Performers: Ayush Jha, vocalist and/or on Harmonium; Kanha Trehan, vocalist & with khartaal; Rajat Kanungo, vocalist and/or on harmonium; Sanvi Katoch, vocalist and/or on harmonium; Dr Sangeeta, vocalist and/or on harmonium; Satvik on Tabla; Amar on Guitar; Pragshu on Cajun; Anya Katoch, chorus singer

Guest of Honour & Patron: Prof. Charanjit Singh Shah, Chairman & Founder, Creative Group LLP

Performance inspired by the teachings of the 15th-century Bhakti saint Ravidas, whose compositions are enshrined in both the Shri Guru Granth Sahib and Panchvani. Blending devotional music, participatory Sankirtan and narration, the programme explores the dialogue between spirituality and contemporary scientific thought, offering a reflective experience that celebrates joy, inclusivity and inner transformation.

Rhythms of Maharashtra :  Lavani & Jogwa

A Folk Dance & Music Performance from Maharashtra

Presented by Amrapali Lavani Loknritya Kala Manch, Maharashtra

Led by Ritu Akash Bahadure; Musicians, Lokesh on Keyboard; Ajay and Rahul on Dholki; Divya on Vocal; Dancers, Riya, Mehak, Soumya, Arshad, Akash and Samrudhi.

Present the vibrant traditions of Lavani and Jogwa, two distinctive folk forms of Maharashtra that seamlessly blend music, dance, rhythm, and storytelling. Through energetic choreography and evocative performances, it will celebrate the region's rich cultural heritage while reflecting themes of devotion, resilience, and the lived experiences of its communities

(Collaboration: NCZCC, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)

Victoria

(2024; 85 minutes; Malayalam with English subtitles)
Director: Sivaranjini

With Meenakshi Jayan, Stephy Zaviour, Jolly Chirayath

Recipient of the FIPRESCI Award for Best Malayalam Film by a Debut Director at IFFK 2024; Official Selection, Shanghai International Film Festival (Asia New Talent Competition).

Victoria is a young beautician working in a modest beauty parlour in Kerala. On a day that promises a new beginning, she prepares to leave behind the life she has always known and elope with the man she loves. As the hours unfold, however, a series of encounters with the women around her, friends, colleagues and clients compel her to reflect on the choices before her. As Victoria finds herself increasingly torn between duty and desire, certainty and doubt, the film becomes a sensitive exploration of agency, companionship and the courage required to chart one's own course.

(Collaboration: FIPRESCI India)