Mohika Shankar, Kathak dancer and Undergrad student at the University of Derby UK in Dance & Movement Studies and Psychology. Mohika has been studying Kathak since age 5 and has performed under the guidance of Guru Munna Shuklaji. She has also starred in the short film ‘Vande Mataram, A Dance Tribute’ by Swapna Maini and Sai Ganesh Nagpal. “The hectic schedules and the on-the-spot changes taught me spontaneity, and the fluid choreography broadened my vision as a dancer, forever molding me into a better performer.”
Arushi Kishore, Grade 9 student at The Shri Ram School, Aravalli, Gurugram, India. Arushi has trained in Odissi since age 6 and performed at various dance festivals across India. She has also starred in the short film ‘Vande Mataram, A Dance Tribute’ by Swapna Maini and Sai Ganesh Nagpal. “From the bustling streets and ghats of Kashi, to a —century palace, to Rishikesh and isolated islands in the Ganga – the experience was exceptional, and the creative choreography has given me a better understanding of other dance forms and traditions.”
Anya Chugh, Grade 10 student at The Shri Ram School, Aravalli, Gurugram, India. Anya has trained in Kuchipudi since age 5. She has also starred in the short film ‘Vande Mataram, A Dance Tribute’ by Swapna Maini and Sai Ganesh Nagpal. “This film has taken my love for dance to a completely different level, and exposed me to the challenges of filming – whether it was sleepless schedules, or being in the wild!”
Sia Bhutani, Grade 10 student at Clayton High School, St. Louis MO, USA. Sia has trained in Bharatanatyam since age 6. She has studied Hindustani classical vocals and is a pianist. She has also lent her voice in the chorus of the musical track of ‘Ganga-River Eternal’. “I loved that amongst the dancers and the crew, there was a strong sense of being a family. Alongside, there was a beautiful feeling of unity being in close proximity to the Ganga. Everything just felt so pure and real.”
Saisha Bhutani, Grade 8 student at Wydown Middle School, St. Louis MO, USA. Saisha has trained in Bharatanatyam since age 5. She has studied Hindustani classical vocals and violin, and is a pianist. She has also lent her voice in the chorus of the musical track of ‘Ganga-River Eternal’. “I never thought that one day I’d be dancing on a boat on the Ganga in Varanasi, India! Adapting to different dance forms for this film has helped me so much with my own form!”