Brinda Miller, the chairperson of the Kala Ghoda Association and festival director, expresses satisfaction in continually pushing the envelope with each passing year. The festival, renowned among art enthusiasts, has become a staple in the annual calendar of cultural events. Miller credits social media for significantly boosting the festival’s visibility, allowing its message to reach a wider audience.
The Theme: ‘Udaan’ – A Symbolic Flight of Freedom
This year, the festival revolves around the theme of ‘Udaan’ (flight), a concept that permeates the programming, particularly in the Visual Arts section. Miller emphasises the importance of selecting a topic that is both broad and intriguing, providing a cohesive foundation for curation. The festival has added new venues, promising a diverse and enriching experience for attendees.
Diverse Programming Highlights
Khankana — The Sound of Dancing Feet by Surupa Sen & Nrityagram (January 20, Cross Maidan)
Renowned choreographer Surupa Sen’s mesmerising pieces, spanning three decades, will be performed by skilled artists from Nrityagram, offering a unique blend of thought and movement.
Indie Comic Scene (January 20, Kitab Khana)
Hamza Sayed, founder of The Comic Book Store, delves into the evolution of Indian comics from niche to mainstream, sharing insights on the burgeoning indie comic scene.
Yours Truly, with Gulzar (January 20, David Sassoon Library)
Rakhshanda Jalil engages in a conversation with legendary poet and lyricist Gulzar, exploring his collection ‘Baal-O-Paar’ and delving into themes of poetry, emotions, relationships, and nationhood.
Spiderman presented by Mereed India Kolhapur (January 21, Yashwantrao Chavan Centre)
This experimental Marathi play, a Maharashtra State-level competition winner, combines fantasy and realism, promising a captivating journey through the realms of fantasy underscored by raw currents of reality.
Ayaan Ali Bangash featuring Zohaan Ali Bangash and Abeer Ali Bangash (January 21, Cross Maidan)
Renowned santoor player Ayaan Ali Bangash collaborates with his twin sons, Zohaan and Abeer, for a performance marking their debut on stage.
Same Ghee, Different Bottle (January 22, Parsi Dairy Farm)
Zeenia Patel, Elisha Saigal, and Pritha Thadani unveil the journey of the 107-year-old legacy brand Parsi Dairy Farm, showcasing the reimagining of this Mumbai icon.
The Making of a Neighbourhood Restaurant (January 23, Kala Ghoda Café)
Farhad Bomanjee and Alex Sanchez, owners of iconic Kala Ghoda Café and Americano, discuss the insights and challenges behind the making of their neighborhood restaurants.
Kahwa Stories: A Kashmiri High Tea (January 25, Folk)
Chef Jasleen Marwah presents a talk and tasting session delving into the customs of Kashmir’s distinctive tea culture, promising stories and flavors.
Kanan Gill and You! (January 25, YB Chavan Auditorium)
Stand-up comedian Kanan Gill discusses his new book, “Acts of God,” blending humor, imaginativeness, and philosophical provocations in comedic science fiction.
Reframing the Narrative: Transgender Rights and Poetic Possibilities (January 25, Kalanjee House)
Actor Trinetra Gummaraju and radio presenter Rohini Ramanathan explore sexual representation in the arts, followed by a special spoken word performance by members of the transgender community.
Jai Kajal presents Mahesh Kale (January 26, Cross Maidan)
Mahesh Kale’s Infusion: Taking Classical Beyond is a groundbreaking concert transcending musical boundaries and featuring a harmonious collaboration of classical and contemporary sounds.
The Travel Stories of Masala Memsahib (January 27, Kalanjee House)
Food writer Karen Anand takes the audience on a tasting journey through the tales behind her new food memoir, “Masala Memsahib,” matched with refreshing Smirnoff cocktails.
Music with Farhan Akhtar (January 28, Cross Maidan)
As the finale to KGAF 2024, Farhan Akhtar’s electrifying “Farhan Live” concert will mesmerise audiences, championing societal change through his MARD initiative.
The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2024 promises a rich experiences, blending traditional and contemporary art forms, and reinforcing its status as a key event for art enthusiasts on the annual calendar. The diverse programming, ranging from dance performances to literary conversations and musical extravaganzas, ensures there is something for everyone at this celebration of ‘Udaan’ – the flight of freedom.
