Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 6 CITY VIEWS November 28, 2025 Shri Ramamayi Deepotsav Enchants New Jersey Audiences With A Spectacular Ramayan Musical O n Thursday, November 13, 2025, the Arts4All Foundation com- memoratedWorld Kindness Day by launching a 50-day emergency food campaign to provide thou- sands of freshly prepared and nutritious meals to combat the food emergency, resource scarcity, and affordability crisis. Even weeks after the lights dimmed at Tagore Hall, the magic of Shri Rama- mayi Deepotsav – A Ramayan Musical continues to resonate with audiences in New Jersey. Presented by SohAnika Arts, the production took place on October 17, 2025, marking the organization’s U.S. debut and bringing a vibrant celebration of Diwali and Indian cultural heritage to Somerset. Under the creative direction of Found- ing Director Radhika Damle Kale, the 90-minute musical brought together over 45 performers from five prominent dance and music schools—Swar Leela Music School, Kathakology, Classical Rhythms, DanceXStudio, and Dancing Stars. The performance seamlessly blended classi- cal and contemporary Indian dance, live music, and expressive storytelling to bring the epic Ramayan to life. The event opened with a ceremonial Diwali lamp-lighting attended by Dr. Meena Nerurkar, Dr. Ashok Chaudhary, and SohAnika Arts’ founding mentor, Mr. Nandkishor Kale, alongside sponsors including God’s Eye Productions, Gerua Productions, NAFA Global, Cool Dude Choice, and Hudson Court Reporting. The ceremony symbolized community partnership and the shared commitment to promoting cultural arts in the diaspora. Audiences were captivated by the continuous narrative, which traced Ram’s childhood, the love between Ram and Sita, the trials of exile, Sita Haran, Hanuman’s devotion, and the climactic battle restor- ing dharma. Live vocals, poetic narra- tion, and dynamic choreography brought characters such as Ram, Sita, Laksh- man, Hanuman, Shabari, Shurpanakha, Mandodari, and Raavan to life, creating an immersive theatrical experience that blended nostalgia, tradition, and contem- porary artistry. Performers of all ages drew praise for their expressive storytelling, disciplined movement, and heartfelt devotion, mak- ing the production more than just a Diwali event—it became a spiritually uplifting cultural experience. With this debut, SohAnika Arts has firmly established its presence in the American performing arts scene, with upcoming projects including *Sakhee Antarang 2026*, *Krishna Mahima 2026*, and the short-film anthology *NARTAKI*. A portion of the show’s proceeds was donated to support autism research and acceptance, highlighting the organiza- tion’s commitment to community impact beyond the stage. The full musical is now available to stream globally on YouTube: [https://youtu.be/GWtU9YdNzdY] (https://youtu.be/GWtU9YdNzdY ). More information about SohAnika Arts and future initiatives can be found at [www.sohanika.org By a StaffWriter By a StaffWriter Sitar Legend Shahid Parvez Khan Dazzles Audience At Nanuet Library M ore than 100 music enthusi- asts gathered at the Nanuet Public Library on November 23 for an afternoon steeped in the rich tradition of Hindustani classical music. The highlight of the program was a spellbinding Sitar Vadan concert by Pad- mashree Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan, one of the world’s foremost sitar maestros. The event opened with warm greetings and remarks underscoring the enduring cultural value of Indian classical music. Organized jointly by Arts from India and Bharatiya Kala Kendra, Inc., the concert was part of ongoing efforts to bring high- caliber cultural programming to local audiences. Coordinator Ajayveer Singh expressed gratitude to several supporters who helped make the performance possible, including Nitin Vyas, Global Public Rela- tions Director ofWorld Vegan Vision and Director of Int of USA, and Sonalee Vyas of Jani Dance Company. Singh noted that Arts from India continues to present a wide range of cultural programs each year, from classical music and dance to work- shops and virtual events launched during the pandemic. Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan, a distin- guished exponent of the Etawah Gharana, is celebrated for his unwavering com- mitment to riyaz and his lyrical gayaki- ang style. His performance, marked by nuanced artistry and technical brilliance, left attendees deeply moved. He was ac- companied by Ustad Kadar Khan, founder of the Kalvant Center NewYork, whose dynamic tabla accompaniment added depth and vigor to the recital. A photo from the event features Mrs. Parvez Khan; Ajayveer Singh of Arts from India; Ustad Kadar Khan; Padmashree Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan; and Nitin Vyas ofWorld Vegan Vision — a testament to the collaborative spirit that brought this memorable concert to life. PHOTOS: NITINVYAS PHOTOS: SOHANIKA ARTS Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan performs on sitar alongside tabla maestro Ustad Kadar Khan, captivating the audience with a soulful Hindustani classical recital. Performers captivate the audience with a vibrant dance presentation, bringing the story of the Ramayan to life through expressive movement and colorful choreography Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan with event organizers and guests, celebrating a memorable afternoon of Indian classical music at the Nanuet Library.