MUMBAI: National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA), India's premier cultural institution has started a Fund Raising Drive in Support of Kerala. As a part of the drive, NCPA has announced specially curated Fund Raising Events from 28 to 30 September 2018. The events will feature ‘Kailash Kher and Kailasa’ in a Live in Concert on 28 September and a multi-dance presentation, ‘Samapravaaha. A dance confluence’ by eminent classical dancers from the dance fraternity on 30 September 2018. The earnings from these events will be donated to towards the cause.

In addition to the events, NCPA will also donate their Box Office earnings of the shows – Shyam Rang by Parthiv Gohil and two Western Music Recitals towards the aid. NCPA also appeals to its members and patrons to come together in support of the cause in form of donations. NCPA Staff has volunteered to donate part of their salaries towards the cause.

Mr. Khushroo N Suntook, Chairman NCPA said, “We all are well aware of the current state in Kerala. Our hearts go out to those families who have lost their homes and dear ones. Kerala has given us many established artists and continues to do so. As an organization, it is our duty to help them re-build their lives and we will do so through all possible efforts. On behalf of NCPA, I would like to thank our artists, members and audiences who have come forward to help us with the cause.”

As a part of this initiative, NCPA has curated two remarkable fundraiser programmes. A concert led by celebrated singer Kailash Kher on Friday, 28th September 2018 and a multi-dance presentation featuring eleven acts by renowned Classical dancers, along with their dance troupes on Sunday, 30th September. Notably, the artistes will be performing free of cost in a bid to selflessly contribute towards the flood revival operations.

Known for his soulful voice and power-packed performances, Kailash Kher will present some of his most cherished melodies including those from Bollywood. Having sung in 18 Indian languages and over 300 songs for Bollywood, he is an icon in the Indi-pop genre.

Titled Samapravaaha, the dance production comprises a confluence of several Indian Classical dance forms in one evening by eminent dancers from the fraternity. The evening would have a bouquet of different Classical Dance Styles intercepted by thoughtful poems donated (written by dancers) for the cause.

The production will witness Odissi presentations by Debi Basu in collaboration with Shanmukhapriya, Daksha Mashruwala and Kaishiki, and Shubhada Varadkar along with the Sanskrita Foundation. Bharatanatyam performances will be executed by Lata Surendra along with the Anjali Bharatanatyam Research Trust and Harikrishna Kalyanasundaram in conjunction with Sri Rajarajeswari. In addition to these, Renu Sharma and Alpika will present Kathak, while Sujatha Nair and Upaasana will jointly present the graceful form of Mohiniattam.

The production will also witness a unique Kathakyoga presentation by Seema Mehta alongside Chhandam. Gauri Sharma Tripathy and her dance group Ankh will present an amalgam of Kathak and contemporary dance. Lata Sana Devi and students of Nritya Parichay: NCPA’s CSR initiative to train children in dance will present Manipuri, and Bharatanyam exponent Uma Rele will present multiple classical dance styles with dancers of the Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya. Through the evening, the dancers will also donate thoughtful poems written by them for the cause.

NCPA will be collecting donations through various channels to facilitate the relief funds. Supporters can contribute through Cash, Cheque, Card or NEFT transfer to the NCPA. Collection Boxes has been installed throughout the campus for audiences who wish to donate towards the cause. Furthermore, the staff at the NCPA will also be contributing by donating a part of their salary towards the betterment of the state. All the donations will go towards the Kerala Flood Relief.

The path to recovery is going to be a long and gruelling one but every penny counts. NCPA urges all of its members and audiences to effectively contribute towards the cause.