Posted on 27 June 2025:
Darshan by Malavika Sarukkai: A Sacred Journey in Bharatanatyam
The Madhavi Festival returns with its sixth edition, unveiling Darshan—a luminous solo Bharatanatyam performance by the acclaimed Malavika Sarukkai.
Held on Friday, 4th July 2025 at 6:30 PM at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi, this evening of artistic devotion is open to all, with free entry on a first-come-first-served basis.
Presented by the Madhavi Foundation for Creative Excellence, Darshan unfolds in four segments, gracefully choreographed over the years and brought to life with an ensemble of four live musicians.
“Darshan comprises four segments of 90 minutes duration, which weaves together choreographies that have been revisited and refined over the years, unveiling deeper layers of meaning with each re-telling. The sacred emerges—effortlessly, organically—through movement and music,” says the organizers of the program.
Through delicate movement and sacred rhythm, Malavika Sarukkai offers an experience where art transcends into meditation—Darshan, a radiance of the soul.
Malavika Sarukkai says: “Space, once energized, comes to life. The dancing body, in the moment, becomes the instrument of story-telling embodying divine energies. In Darshan, pan-Indian compositions in the language of dance unravel to celebrate the enduring legacy of India and its people.”
“It is an honour to have Malavika Sarukkai, a dancer whom I have always admired for her in- depth understanding and interpretation of Bharatanatyam. She is one of India’s prima donnas and Madhavi Foundation is extremely delighted to host her performance in Delhi,” says renowned Bharatanatyam artist Rama Vaidyanathan.
Artist Malavika Sarukkai: Where Tradition Meets Imagination
With five decades of dedication, Malavika Sarukkai has shaped a luminous path in the world of Bharatanatyam. Her choreographies glow with the timeless elegance of classical dance, yet pulse with the insight of a contemporary spirit. Taking the stage at just twelve, she has since graced prestigious festivals across India and beyond, capturing hearts with her expressive artistry. Deeply rooted in tradition and always open to transformation, Malavika Sarukkai creates a living language of movement—where the past breathes anew through bold imagination.
Malavika Sarukkai’s journey is a living tapestry of tradition and innovation. Lauded by critics as “innovative within tradition,” her artistry has found its way into global consciousness through landmark documentaries like the BBC/WNET’s Dancing and Samarpanam, commissioned by the Government of India. The evocative film The Unseen Sequence, directed by Sumantra Ghosal, cast light on her creative soul—earning wide acclaim at The Lincoln Centre Dance on Camera Festival and beyond. Honoured with the Padma Shri, Kalaimamani, SNA Award, and more, Malavika Sarukkai stands as one of India’s brightest cultural torchbearers, forever weaving new meaning into classical form.
The Ensemble: A Symphony of Movement and Sound
At the heart of Darshan lies a brilliant ensemble—each artist bringing depth and devotion to the stage. Malavika Sarukkai leads with her expressive dance and graceful choreography, while Neela Sukhanya’s rhythmic nattuvangam anchors the performance. The melodic strength of Krithika Arvind’s vocals blends seamlessly with the rich tones of Nellai Balaji on mridangam and T V Sukanya on violin. Enhancing this spiritual journey is Sharad Kulsreshta’s lighting design, casting an ethereal glow that breathes life into every gesture and note. Together, they create a living canvas where sound, light and movement become one.
The Spirit Behind the Festival: A Tribute to Grace and Legacy
The Madhavi Festival was born from love—a celebration of Madhavi Gopalakrishnan’s deep passion for dance and the timeless spirit she inspired in her children. Founded by her daughter, renowned Bharatanatyam artist Rama Vaidyanathan, along with Meera Khanna, Indira Nayar and Col. Ravi Nair, this festival stands as a living tribute to the artist whose grace, strength, and devotion shaped generations. More than an event, it is a heartfelt offering—where art becomes memory, and memory moves with rhythm.
