Esplande is organising the 20th year of Indian festival of Arts, “Kalaa Utsavam” from 19 – 28 Nov 2021.  High Commission of India is a Principal Partner this season.

Ms Rajeswari  Ramachandran, producer, The Esplanade Co Ltd, says

In 2002, Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts was Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s first cultural festival that kicked off Esplanade’s calendar of regular cultural programmes that have grown from strength to strength. This year, we are humbled to commemorate Kalaa Utsavam’s 20th year of championing the Indian arts. 

As the first Indian arts festival with a multi-genre focus in Southeast Asia, the festival has sought to be a catalyst for the Indian arts in Singapore, by developing and supporting the creations of homegrown artists. Continuing in this direction, this year’s edition features a breadth of newly produced Singapore works. 

Kalaa Utsavam has also brought artistic teams from all over the world together to raise the bar creatively through commissions and collaborations. This year, we bring together renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar and acclaimed singer Shankar Mahadevan for the first time in a digital commission that will premiere in the Esplanade Theatre, allowing us to showcase international artists in Kalaa Utsavam, despite current travel restrictions. 

In this milestone year, we thank our audiences, artists and supporters for the many magical moments shared at Kalaa Utsavam. In particular, we express our deepest appreciation to Kalaa Utsavam 2021’s Principal Sponsor, the High Commission of India and supporter The Silent Foundation. We will continue to build on the festival’s pioneering spirit, its vision to inspire artistic dynamism across borders and be a torchbearer for the Indian performing arts. Join us, from 19 to 28 Nov 2021, to experience the beauty, vibrancy and joy of the Indian arts once again at Kalaa Utsavam!

Festival Highlights

AN ALBUM LAUNCH

Raffee 50 – A Musical Jubilee

Veteran artist Mohamed Raffee and his band Vasantham Boys present their latest album The New Horizon, featuring the band’s distinct World music sound, with raaga-based compositions influenced by genres such as jazz, R&B, funk and more

GENRES COLLIDE

RUDRA

Heavy metal band Rudra joins forces with three acclaimed classical musicians in an epic and one-of-a-kind concert of heavy metal, Indian classical music and ancient Indian philosophy.

Credit:  Indian High Commission