New Delhi, July 17, 2025: Renowned Kathak dancer Shivani Varma, known for her performances at major cultural events such as Lollapalooza (Mumbai), Mahakumbh (Prayagraj) and Jahan-e-Khusrau (New Delhi), delivered a spell-binding performance at Sawan ki Hunar Gaatha, a collaborative presentation by NGO Swadha and fashion label Asha Gautam, centred around the theme of Varsha Ritu. Her soulful appearance brought classical dance to the ramp, adding a lyrical layer of storytelling to the evening’s celebration of craft, culture, and womanhood.
At this glittering event, Shivani Varma performed to Ae Ri Sakhi More Piya Ghar Aaye, a timeless composition by the iconic Sufi poet Amir Khusrau. In an inspired blend of classical movement and improvisational energy, she portrayed the emotional journey of Sawan, the rain-drenched yet yearning season, using Kathak to capture its moods of longing, celebration and union. The performance unfolded as a seamless extension of the evening’s monsoon-inspired theme, echoing the soulful notes of singer Vidya Shah, whose vocal prelude set the tone for the showcase.
Reflecting on the evening, Shivani Varma said, “The theme of Sawan deeply resonated with my artistic expression, allowing my performance to flow in seamless dialogue with the spirit of the show. I wove the fabric of the monsoon, with its pangs of separation and anticipation of union, into a spontaneous offering to the blissful Varsha ritu. It was also a tribute to the timeless Sufi poetry of Amir Khusrau and the evocative language of Kathak, which, to me, are a match made in heaven. I continue to explore this genre through a deeply intimate and ever-evolving journey.”
Sawan ki Hunar Gaatha was a fashion and cultural showcase by Asha Gautam in collaboration with Swadha, a women-led organisation committed to the welfare of the girl child. The event featured 68 handcrafted ensembles, a magnificent collection made with over 1,00,000 hours of artisanal mastery, and brought together luminaries from the world of fashion, philanthropy, and policy. From the intricate weaves of Paithani and Banarasi to the grandeur of Zardozi and Bandhani, the showcase reimagined Indian textile heritage through both classic and contemporary silhouettes. The evening culminated in a powerful walk by Swadha women in Asha Gautam creations, celebrating strength, identity, and the enduring power of Indian craft.