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 50 years of Kalasri in Basel- Dr Rejina SadhuMarch 16, 2026 A remarkable music and dance production 'Kala Chakra' was presented by the dance ensemble Kalasri at Stadttheater in Basel, to celebrate 50 years of Kalasri in Switzerland. What a round up of achievements over decades! Cohesive renditions filled with dedication, determination, spirit, passion, reverence and beauty paid homage to an art form that's timeless.  Amrita Manthana Deeply influenced by their Bharatanatyam dance tradition, the Swiss-Indian Keshava family of artistes has made a significant contribution to artistic diversity and cultural exchange in Switzerland for five decades. In their latest production 'Kala Chakra' (Wheel of Time), the Kalasri dance and music ensemble revived elements of traditional and experimental dance. Dance, music, mythological and biographical narratives intertwined to form a mosaic that traced the artistes' journey - a voyage through time, space, and identity. 'Kala Chakra' was a tribute to the unifying power of art, an invitation to experience, feel, and celebrate together across generations and cultures. Attending the Kalasri 50th Jubilee on 7 January 2026 was a soul-stirring experience that felt less like a formal recital and more like a vibrant homecoming for Indian classical arts in Switzerland. Elevating the visual spectacle were the mellifluous vocals, which draped over the audience like silk. The singer's ability to navigate complex ragas with such soulful ease added a layer of emotional depth that brought many to the brink of tears. This was perfectly anchored by the musical accompaniment; the rhythmic dialogue between the instruments was electrifying, creating a pulse that the entire room seemed to beat to.  Keshava  Ensemble  Anjali Keshava  Sumitra Keshava The highlight of the evening wasn't just the technical precision of the Keshava family, but the luminous presence of the younger generation. Watching the junior dancers take the stage with such poise and bhava (expression) provided a profound sense of relief and hope. In an age of fleeting digital trends, seeing these young performers embrace the rigorous Mysore bani style proves that Bharatanatyam is not a relic of the past, but a living, breathing language. Their participation signifies a bridge between eras; they carry the discipline of their elders while bringing a fresh energy that ensures the art form remains relevant. It was a beautiful reminder that as long as the youth find joy in these ancient rhythms, the 'Wheel of Time' will continue to spin, preserving our cultural heritage for the next fifty years and beyond.  Shanti Choreography, dance and text were by Guru D. Keshava, Anjali Keshava, Sumitra Keshava, Esther Jenny with their Kalasri dancers: Karin Erbacher, Michele Stöcklin, Jasmin Fröhlicher, Mandip Singh, Nina Lopes, Neha Hari, Shruti Vijayaragvan, Diamilatou Wade, Anshita Rathod, Sheela Musio and Avani Guldiman. Nattuvangam and music composition were by Guru D. Keshava, vocal by Nirujan Sehasothy, mridangam by Rukshan Srirangarajah, veena and violin by Vaisnavi Kavikanth. It was indeed a beautiful evening. RESPONSE Dear Dasappa Keshava I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your brilliant evening. What you have done is an event of the century! I have never experienced such a well thought out, deeply felt, sensitive, touching, authentic, and lasting program that brings people together in their spiritual, emotional, and social connections in encounters that we otherwise rarely get to experience in life. The musicality of the program, the arrangements, the use of silence and dynamics, the participation, reading, reflection, empathy, engagement, inner examination, etc. What you have created is a jewel in Swiss cultural history! And something truly remarkable. You have involved the generations of your family and friends in the artistic work and let them help shape it: this is a wonderful, indescribably profound, and important process. Your freshness, the touching evidence of your sensitivity, starting with you, resonating through your radiant daughters Anjali and Sumitra, into the generation of your families, friends, and young people, and into the next generation of grandchildren. Through this, the power of your artistic and pedagogical competence has moved into a transformation into the new generation. A red thread of life invisibly binds itself through their own bodies, their own hearts and souls, your children, your family, your friends, and the entire community. You are incredibly beautiful in this sensitive abundance, authenticity, and diversity. I have learned so much from you. Just being present and experiencing it silently: simply a life changing event that you have created. Everything resonates within me: the sensitivity, beauty, diversity, love, and at the same time, humility. Sincerely, Bernhard Furchner Artistic Director, Choir of Nations, Bern, Switzerland |
