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Deva Nartana
The Divine Dance in Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam, Odissi & Kathak
Performers
Ten avatars. Four styles. One stage.
Deva Nartana is a deeply imaginative re-telling of the ten Avataras of Vishnu, interpreted through four classical dance traditions: Bharatanatyam, Mohiniattam, Odissi, and Kathak. Rooted in the Hindu view on the cyclical nature of creation, preservation, and dissolution, the production explores each incarnation as both divine narrative and timeless metaphor. It is both homage and offering: a celebration of stories that continue to shape how we understand change, time, and divinity.
Performed by Saji Menon (Mohiniattam), Namrata Mehta (Odissi), Bhakti Deshpande (Kathak), and Prachi Saathi (Bharatanatyam), Deva Nartana unfolds as a rich visual tapestry with each dancer bringing her own form, vocabulary, and devotion into conversation with the others. The performance uses original music composed and arranged by twelve acclaimed musicians under the direction of Satish Krishnamurthy.
This production is a rare confluence of traditions, myths and devotion.
Credits:
Music Direction and Arrangement: Satish Krishnamurthy
Music composition:
Satish Krishnamurthy
Manoj Desai
Jateen Sahoo
Vocals:
Manoj Desai
Satish Venkatesh
Jateen Sahoo
Sangeet Murli
Percussion:
Maddalam & Edakkya – Nambishan Sir
Mridangam, Ghatam & Ganjira – Satish Krishnamurthy
Mardala – Rohan Dahale
Tabla – Vivek Mishra
Pakhawaj – Omkar Dalvi
Flute – Vijay Tambe
Sarangi – Sangeet Mishra
Violin – ShivaKumar Anantharaman
Sound Engineer – Tapan Da, Trio Studio
Research Guidance:
Rishiraj Pathak
Partho Pawgi
Supported by:
Performers
Saji Menon
Saji Menon is a distinguished Mohiniyattam exponent and a senior disciple of the legendary Padma Bhushan Dr. Kanak Rele, one of the foremost pioneers in Indian dance education. She holds a Master of Performing Arts degree from Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya, University of Mumbai (2003).
An empanelled artist with the Ministry of Culture and an “A” grade artiste with Doordarshan, Saji was honoured with the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar in both 2013 and 2014. She has performed extensively across India and internationally at several esteemed festivals and cultural platforms, earning acclaim for her grace, depth, and commitment to the art of Mohiniyattam.
Prachi Saathi
Prachi Saathi is an accomplished Bharatanatyam performer and choreographer with over three decades of dedicated practice. She began her training under Shri Vaibhav Arekar, continued her journey with Guru Lata Raman, and currently trains under the esteemed Smt. Rama Vaidyanathan. She holds a Master’s degree in Bharatanatyam.
An ‘A’ grade Doordarshan artiste and an empanelled performer with ICCR, Prachi has graced prestigious stages across the globe. Notably, she performed at London’s Royal Festival Hall in Pt. Ravi Shankar’s opera.
Beyond performance, she brings her love for the arts to digital and curatorial spaces—she directs the YouTube series Raaz Riyaaz Ka and curates Art Baithak. A seasoned voice artist as well, Prachi has lent her voice to several iconic characters with finesse.
Namrata Mehta
Namrata Mehta is a dedicated Odissi dancer with over 25 years of rigorous training under the guidance of her Guru, Smt. Daksha Mashruwala. She holds a Master’s degree in Performing Arts from Mumbai University and is an empanelled artist with the ICCR.
In recognition of her artistry, Namrata was awarded the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Yuva Pratibha Puraskar in 2017. Her work has extended beyond borders—she has represented India in Sri Lanka as a cultural ambassador and participated in a cultural exchange with Taiwan’s Tjimur Dance Theater.
Namrata currently serves as Assistant Director at Kaishiki Nrityabhasha, her guru’s institute, which is committed to preserving and promoting the rich legacy of Odissi dance.
Bhakti Deshpande
Bhakti Deshpande is a versatile Kathak dancer, trained under legendary gurus Padma Vibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj, Padmashree Suresh Talwalkar, and Nrityashri Vidyahari Deshpande. A National Scholarship recipient, she is an empanelled artist with both ICCR and Doordarshan.
Holding a master’s degree in fine arts (Kathak), Bhakti has performed at prestigious international venues including Carnegie Hall (New York), Tagore Centre (Berlin), and Mandapa Centre (Paris). She is the co-founder of Artfills, an initiative to promote Indian arts worldwide, and the lead dancer of Sakhi—India’s first all-women classical band.
Her choreographic repertoire spans Bollywood films, television reality shows, and large-format stage productions. Bhakti is also a celebrated actor in both theatre and television, known for seamlessly blending classical Kathak with contemporary storytelling.
