Bharathi A.

Bharathi is an actress specializing in Kattaikkuttu, a traditional theatre form rooted in the rural regions of north and central Tamil Nadu. A defining and significant element of this theatrical art is the use of kattai (wood) ornaments for the heroic male characters. She embarked on her journey in the world of Kattaikkuttu at the age of seven and has remained dedicated to it ever since. So far, she has done more than 250 full-night Kattaikkuttu performances in rural Tamil Nadu. In addition to these traditional performances, she has been a part of acclaimed national productions, including Karnatic Kattaikkuttu with T.M. Krishna and his ensemble, as well as Tavam and Paarvai (The Gaze) by the Kattaikkuttu Sangam.

After graduating from Ashoka University in 2023, Bharathi worked as an artistic trainer and administrative fellow at the Kattaikkuttu Sangam, an NGO in Tamil Nadu. During this time, she recognized a pressing challenge: the dwindling number of trained Kattaikkuttu artists and trainers capable of transmitting and sustaining this art form for future generations.

This issue is particularly acute for women. While there are some female artists in Kattaikkuttu, many discontinue their practice after marriage due to societal and personal challenges. With the support of the Inlaks Theatre Award, her goal is to bring these women back into the fold of Kattaikkuttu and provide them with opportunities to re-engage with the art form. She also plans to create a new theatrical production that integrates the traditional elements of Kattaikkuttu while exploring the struggles and aspirations of women within the art form. 

She is passionate and dedicated to passing on this art form to the younger generation. She follows the words of her Guru P Rajagopal, who says, “ Kattaikkuttu is a university in itself. You can gain all the knowledge you seek from it”. Her long-term goal is to revive the Kattaikkuttu Gurukulam, creating a space where young children can once again learn this extraordinary art form alongside their education.

Meghna Roy Choudhury

Meghna is a Bharatanatyam practitioner with 23 years of rigorous training. She holds a Master's degree in Physics and is also a graduate of the Drama School Mumbai. Additionally, she is trained in Kalaripayattu and was selected as a Therukoothu actor for the Tamizh folk theatre production ‘The Tragedy of Abhimanyu’, directed by the esteemed Kalaimamani P. K. Sambandan Ayya. Meghna has performed in plays across five languages—English, Hindi, Bangla, Marathi, and Tamizh—showcasing her versatility and love for diverse cultures. She has been recognized with prestigious accolades, including the DSFM Niloufer Sagar Alumni Production Grant (2023 and 2024) and the Parivartan Annual Grant (2024-25).

Currently, she works as a director, actor, and playwright in Mumbai. She actively contributes to commercial and experimental theatre and collaborates with schools and NGOs through Theatre in Education initiatives. In addition to theatre, she continues to train in Bharatanatyam with Dr. Saee Shetye. 

Meghna is passionate about exploring innovative storytelling techniques and reinventing theatrical aesthetics. Her work aims to discover a unique theatrical language that resonates with her cultural and artistic roots. In her directorial debut ‘The Apology’, she seamlessly blends the vocabulary of Indian classical art forms with theatre, creating a harmonious balance between tradition and innovation.

She will be working on developing tools and nuances of playwriting, dramaturgy, and research while writing a realistic science fiction play under the guidance of Mr. Ramu Ramanathan.

Aakash Kumar

Aakash has been deeply involved in the practice of theatre for the past seven years. His journey began with the college drama society, Junoon (DSEC), at Delhi University, where he first discovered his passion for the performing arts. After graduating, he had the privilege of working with renowned directors such as Padma Shri D.P. Sinha, Padma Shri Ram Dayal Sharma, Avijit Solanki, Devendra Raj Ankur, Priyanka Sharma and Niraj Kunder, among others.

In 2019, he studied Urdu at the Urdu Academy, which enhanced his linguistic and cultural understanding. In 2022, he completed a postgraduate degree in Dramatic Arts from the Tagore Drama School in Bhopal, further enriching his knowledge of theatre and honing his skills in performance and production. Following this, he joined the SRC Repertory as an actor, contributing to notable productions such as Daku Sultana (in the Nautanki style), Tughlaq, and others.

In February 2024, he worked as the Assistant Stage Manager at the International Theatre Festival of Kerala, gaining valuable experience in stage management and large-scale festival operations. Currently, he is affiliated with Gillo Repertory Theatre, where he works with children through theatre. He is also a part of Katha Kathan, presenting Urdu literature to audiences at Prithvi Theatre every Tuesday. Through these engagements, he continues to refine his craft and explore innovative theatrical projects.

His extensive experience across various aspects of theatre—performance, direction, and stage management—has provided him with a well-rounded understanding of this art form. His intended practice focuses on a comprehensive exploration of Grotowski's training methods, aiming to blend them with contemporary performance techniques to enrich his artistic expression. His interest lies in examining the interplay between body movement and vocalization to discover innovative ways to convey narratives and emotions, in both individual and ensemble performances. He remains committed to pushing the boundaries of theatrical practice and contributing to its growth and evolution.

He will be training under Abani Biswas at the Milan Mela, Theatre House Santiniketan.