‘Janani: Celebrating Motherhood’ is a poetic tribute to the nurturing spirit that shapes our world. This evocative evening of storytelling, movement, and music is led by the creative brilliance of exponents Indira Kadambi and Sujata Mohapatra, offering a performance that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. 

In the first part, Indira Kadambi presents a richly layered Bharatanatyam production that delves into the many facets of motherhood. This moving showcase unravels its depth through four powerful segments: Hiranyagarbha – the cosmic womb; Eternal Embrace – the unconditional love of a mother; Tangled Strands – the complexity, conflict, and resilience of motherhood; and Mother Earth – the boundless nurturing spirit that sustains life. 

The production is brought to life through rich visual metaphors – flowing fabrics symbolising the womb, earth tones reflecting the maternal force of nature, and celestial imagery conjuring the divine cosmic mother. The choreography seamlessly weaves together mythological and contemporary narratives, bridging ancient archetypes with modern sensibilities. Traversing an emotional arc from tenderness and protection to sacrifice and strength, the performance captures the raw and enduring power of maternal love. 

Indira, an eminent Bharatanatyam artist with international acclaim, brings her depth as a performer, choreographer, and dance educator to this visionary work. She is joined by husband T.V. Ramprasadh, a Carnatic stalwart whose resonant voice and artistic mastery add a profound sonic dimension to the performance; son Vishnu R, an award-winning composer and inventor of the NAVTAR® – a groundbreaking 9-string instrument that blends Carnatic microtonality with the harmonic richness of jazz; and daughter-in-law Dr. Ramya Suresh, Kadambi’s dynamic disciple and a rising star known for her graceful stage presence and powerful expression in nritta, nritya, and abhinaya.  

In the second half, the stage transforms as Sujata Mohapatra brings the lyrical elegance of Odissi to the fore. A dancer of rare depth and devotion, Sujata pays tribute to motherhood through movements that are both spiritual and intimate. As the disciple and daughter-in-law of the late Padmavibhushan Kelucharan Mohapatra, she carries forward the rich legacy of one of Odissi’s most iconic masters. Her performance, shaped by decades of dedication, is a poignant homage to divine stories and maternal experiences. 

She is joined by her daughter Preetisha Mohapatra, a gifted dancer who began her training under her legendary grandfather and now continues under the guidance of her parents, Sujata and Guru Ratikant Mohapatra. Together, mother and daughter embody the transmission of knowledge, love, and tradition across generations, expressing a sacred bond that resonates not only within families, but across the lineage of classical Indian art. 

Through the expressive power of dance, this showcase invites the audience to reflect on the profound essence of motherhood, leaving behind a renewed appreciation for the nurturing forces – both human and cosmic – that sustain and shape our very existence.