For centuries, women have stood at the heart of Indian poetry and song,  as muse, as protagonist, as metaphor, and as mirror. From the female divine to the nayika and the ganika, classical literature and musical traditions have returned again and again to the woman's body, her longing, her defiance, and her sorrow. Yet many of these verses were composed by men writing in the female voice, their imaginative leaps coloured by the social context in which they were situated.
 
Drawing on her abiding interest in Hindi sahitya and her ongoing study of raagdari music, acclaimed Vocalist and Composer Shubha Mudgal presents a carefully curated selection of verses by some of the great masters of Indian poetry over the past few centuries.  Set to music and illuminated through performance, these compositions explore diverse perspectives on femininity, desire, beauty, social norms, and resistance. Each composition and verse conveys stories of women: some celebrate sensuality and erotic expression with striking candour, while others bear witness to the injustices, prejudices, and burdens that women have historically endured and continue to confront. She is accompanied by Aneesh Pradhan (Tabla), Sudhir Nayak (Harmonium), and Upagna Pandya and Srijonee Bhattacharjee (Tanpura and Vocal Accompaniment).

Join us for an evening of music, poetry, and reflection that places women’s voices at the centre of the conversation.