Bala Devi Chandrashekar on Mauli, Varkari and Bharatanatyam

Mauli – A Timeless Tradition: Bala Devi Chandrashekar on Bhakti, Bharatanatyam and the Power of Collective Devotion

By Hariharan U

Published on December 18, 2025

Bharatanatyam exponent Bala Devi Chandrashekar has long been known for her deeply researched, philosophically rooted productions that seamlessly weave together shastra, sculpture, music and literature. Her latest work, Mauli – A Timeless Tradition, draws from the centuries-old Pandharpur wari and the Varkari movement, presenting devotion not as spectacle, but as lived, collective experience.

In conversation with Hospitality News Magazine, Bala Devi Chandrashekar speaks about the inspiration behind Mauli, her multidisciplinary approach, artistic evolution, and how platforms like the Sangam Festival continue to showcase the enduring relevance of India’s classical dance traditions.

What inspired you to choose the Pandharpur wari and the Varkari tradition as the central theme for Mauli – A Timeless Tradition?

The Pandharpur wari and the Varkari tradition inspired Mauli – A Timeless Tradition because they embody an unbroken, living continuum of bhakti that has flowed across centuries without reliance on spectacle or patronage.

At its core lies a radical spiritual democracy, where devotion dissolves distinctions of caste, class and scholarship. The poetry of the Varkari saints offers profound philosophical depth rooted in lived experience rather than abstraction.

The physical act of pilgrimage, walking, singing and surrendering resonated deeply with me as embodied spirituality, aligning naturally with Bharatanatyam’s kinetic language. Mauli emerged as an artistic response to this collective, timeless surrender to Panduranga Vittala.

Your works are known for blending shastra, sculpture, music and literature. How did this multidisciplinary approach shape the narrative and choreography for Mauli?

For Mauli, the multidisciplinary approach allowed the Varkari tradition to be experienced not merely as history, but as a living philosophy embodied in form.

Shastra provided the philosophical framework, while temple sculpture and iconography shaped spatial design, stance and kinetic geometry. Abhanga poetry and kirtan traditions informed the musical and rhythmic architecture, guiding both narrative pacing and emotional contour.

Literature anchored the choreography in lived devotion, translating metaphysical ideas into accessible human experience. Together, these disciplines converged to create a cohesive narrative where movement becomes an act of collective remembrance and surrender.

The wari embodies values like equality, devotion and collective humanity. How did you translate these spiritual and emotional dimensions into movement vocabulary and stage design?

The values of equality and collective humanity were translated primarily through movement and musical architecture rather than visual spectacle. I consciously employed minimal stage props, allowing the body, rhythm and shared spatial pathways to carry the emotional and spiritual weight of the wari.

Elaborate musical structures rooted in abhanga, kirtan and cyclical laya shaped the collective pulse and guided the choreography. The movement vocabulary emphasised walking patterns, unison phrases and grounded repetition, reflecting devotion as a shared, lived experience. This restraint in design ensured that the focus remained on collective surrender and the inner journey central to the Varkari ethos.

With your global experiences and recognition as ‘Natya Kala Visharadha Ha’, how does this production reflect your artistic evolution, and what message do you hope audiences take away from Mauli?

Mauli reflects my artistic evolution towards greater restraint, depth and inner clarity, shaped by decades of performing across diverse global contexts.

The recognition as Natya Kala Visharadha Ha reaffirmed my commitment to scholarship-driven work where tradition is not presented as nostalgia, but as a living ethical force. This production distils movement, music and philosophy into an offering rather than a display, privileging collective emotion over individual virtuosity.

Through Mauli, I hope audiences are reminded that devotion can be egalitarian, participatory and profoundly humane. The enduring message is that spiritual continuity is sustained not by grandeur, but by humility, shared faith and walking together.

How do the featured productions at this year’s Sangam Festival showcase the richness and appeal of India’s classical dance tradition to a wider audience?

This year’s Sangam Festival brings together a thoughtfully curated set of productions that reflect the breadth and vitality of India’s classical dance traditions. From Ananta Nartana, which celebrates expansive ensemble movement, to Vichitra Pradarshini, showcasing distinctive creative voices within a classical framework, the festival foregrounds both continuity and innovation.

Together with Meenakshi, which draws from mythological and devotional narratives, the festival demonstrates how classical dance continues to evolve while remaining deeply anchored in tradition. The diversity of themes, choreographic approaches and ensemble work makes the performances accessible and engaging for a wide audience. Collectively, the productions affirm classical dance as a living art form rich in heritage, expressive in content and relevant to contemporary audiences.

Event Schedule: Mauli – A Timeless Tradition (All are welcome)

25th December 2025 | 7:30 PM
Brahma Gana Sabha, TAG Dakshinamurthy Auditorium, PS High School, Mylapore, Chennai
27th December 2025 | 5:30 PM
Kartik Fine Arts, Bhavan Auditorium, Mylapore, Chennai
4th January 2026 | 5:30 PM
Parthasarathy Swami Sabha, R K Swamy Auditorium, Mylapore, Chennai
9th January 2026 | 5:30 PM
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mylapore, Chennai

Event Schedule: Sangam Festival 2025

30th December 2025 | 10:00 AM
Kartik Fine Arts, Bhavan Auditorium, Mylapore, Chennai

IHCL and CG Hospitality Global Strengthen Presence in Bhutan with Taj Gangtey Resort and Spa

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 31, 2026

Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the opening of Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa in Phobjikha, Bhutan, further strengthening its presence in the region through its partnership with CG Hospitality Global.

Speaking on the development, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “Building on our presence in the region, opening of Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa, is in line with our strategy of growing our footprint in the sub-continent. Bhutan is a well-established leisure destination on the global tourism map offering a combination of nature and culture. We are delighted to partner with Happiness Resort & Spa for this project, a collaboration between Mr. Anan Gurung and CG Hospitality Global a member of the CG Corp Global.”

Located in the pristine Phobjikha valley, the 35-key Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa brings the calm and beauty of the landscape into every room, offering guests a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. The Chang Lounge & Bar invites guests to relax by the fire with a selection of rare blends and spirits, while Vista offers authentic flavours in a traditional Bhutanese setting.

The resort features a J Wellness Circle Spa offering holistic remedies, an indoor heated swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and dedicated yoga instructors. Guests can also enjoy curated experiences such as guided monastery walks, nature trails through the meadows, and crane spotting, allowing them to connect closely with the destination.

Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Binod Chaudhary, Chairman, CG Corp Global and Mr. Rahul Chaudhary, MD & CEO of CG Hospitality Global, said, “Phobjikha has always been a place of quiet beauty. Partnering with IHCL allows us to introduce a hospitality offering that is in harmony with the destination, its people and its traditions.”

Mr. Anan Gurung, CEO, Happiness Resort & Spa, Bhutan, added, “Steeped in culture and the timeless spirit of the Himalayas, Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa offers a window to Bhutan’s soul. We are proud to partner with the iconic Taj, World’s Strangest Hotel Brand for this hotel.”

Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s most scenic glacial valleys, known for its open meadows, untouched natural beauty, and a cultural landscape that has remained timeless over the years.

The partnership between IHCL and CG Hospitality across the Indian Sub-Continent and the Middle East currently includes Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa and Taj Paro Resort & Spa in Bhutan, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa and Taj Coral Reef Resort & Spa in Maldives, Taj Samudra in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers in Dubai, two Vivanta hotels in Nepal, and Taj Safaris, the luxury wildlife lodges in India and Nepal.

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Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa Returns to Cinemas on Valentine’s Eve, 24 Years After Its Original Release

By Hariharan U

Published on January 31, 2026

In a move set to delight romance lovers and cinema nostalgists alike, True Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. has announced the theatrical re-release of the 2002 romantic drama Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa. The film will return to cinemas across India on 13 February 2026, just in time for Valentine’s Day celebrations, nearly 24 years after its original theatrical run.

Directed by Kuku Kohli, Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa was one of the notable box-office performers of its time and remains remembered for its sweeping romance, popular soundtrack and big-screen appeal. Notably, the film has never been released on any OTT or satellite platform, making this re-release the first opportunity in years for audiences to experience it in a cinema setting.

Kuku Kohli is a well-established name in Hindi commercial cinema and is best known for launching Ajay Devgn in Phool Aur Kaante (1991), a film that became iconic, particularly for its memorable opening bike-split sequence. Over the years, Kohli has directed films such as Suhaag, Haqeeqat, Zulmi and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa, and also introduced actors Karan Nath and Jividha Sharma through this romantic entertainer. The film’s music, released under Tips Music, continues to enjoy strong popularity, with its songs frequently ranking high on chartbusters even today.

Starring Karan Nath and Jividha Sharma, Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa has retained its appeal despite the absence of a digital release. For its 2026 theatrical return, the film has been carefully re-edited to align with contemporary viewing sensibilities and has been re-certified by the CBFC.

True Entertainment, led by Shailendra Mandowara, has been active in film production and distribution for over two decades. Mandowara had earlier released and distributed the cult classic Tujhe Meri Kasam, whose recent re-release received an encouraging response.

Speaking about the decision, Shailendra Mandowara of True Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. said, "At True Entertainment, we strongly believe that certain films belong only in theatres, and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa is one of them. It has never been released on Satellite and OTT, and that was a conscious decision to bring it back to theatres for today audience. After the overwhelming response to the re-release of Tujhe Meri Kasam, bringing this film back felt like a natural step. This is about celebrating cinema that audiences still want to experience on the big screen."

Director Kuku Kohli also shared his thoughts on the film’s return, saying, "Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa was made for the big screen -- the scale, the music, the emotions, everything was designed to be experienced collectively in a theatre. I'm genuinely happy that a new generation will get the chance to discover the film the way audiences did in 2002. Romantic films have a huge audience base today and the film will cater to young viewers. Cinema has a long memory, and when a film connects honestly, it always finds its way back to the audience."

The nationwide theatrical re-release of Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa on 13 February 2026 aims to tap into both nostalgia and renewed interest in big-screen romantic cinema, offering audiences a chance to revisit or discover, a film that continues to hold a special place in Bollywood’s romantic legacy.