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A One-of-Its-Kind Celebration
In February 2013 (held February 22–24, though conceived earlier in 2012), Gulaal – A Festival of Expression made its grand debut at Amanora Arena, Pune. Co‑produced by the Indian Rhythm & Arts Association in association with The Times of India, it quickly became one of the most unique performing-arts festivals in the region.
Over three mesmerizing days, the festival welcomed approximately 16,000 connoisseurs, bringing together dance, theatre, poetry, and music in a celebration of creativity and cultural dialogue.
Day 1: Tradition Meets Contemporary Expression
On the opening evening, audiences were treated to:
- Alarmel Valli, the illustrious Bharatanatyam exponent, whose elegant performance redefined grace.
- Nandita Das, in the evocative play Between the Lines, exploring the tensions between tradition and modernity alongside her husband, Subodh Maskara
Day 2: Odissi & Theatrical Storytelling
The second night began with:
- Daksha Mashruwalla, delivering a powerful Odissi dance performance—her movements weaving mythology with emotion.
- Paresh Rawal, starring in Krishan vs Kanhaiya, a thought-provoking play that struck a chord with its depth.
Day 3: Poetry, Dance & Reflections
The final evening featured cultural icons:
- Mallika Sarabhai, with India: Then, Now, Forever, a journey through India's heritage via classical, folk, tribal, and contemporary dance.
- Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar, presenting Kaifi Aur Main, a poignant tribute to Urdu poet Kaifi Azmi, paired with live soulful music by Jaswinder Singh.
A Festival Defined by Expression
Structured around two thematic strands—“Motion” (dance) and “Emotion” (theatre & poetry)—Gulaal brought performers and audiences from across India together under a single roof. All proceeds supported the YESS Foundation, bolstering work in orphan rehabilitation, empowerment of women, and autism care.
Sixteen by Sixty four’s Role
As the flagship production house in Pune, Sixteen by Sixty‑four took immense pride in scripting every element of Gulaal:
- Curating a balanced lineup of classical and contemporary offerings.
- Handling logistics for over 16,000 attendees across three days.
- Managing a sophisticated two-show-per-evening format—a feat of scheduling and infrastructure.
- Elevating Pune’s cultural landscape by bringing together legends and revivalist performers.
Why Gulaal Resonates Even Today
- Scale & Reach: 16,000 arts enthusiasts across three days are a testament to its impact.
- Diverse Programming: From dance icons like Valli and Sarabhai, to powerhouse performers like Azmi and Rawal—Gulaal traversed multiple art forms.
- Social Impact: Its commitment to YESS Foundation underscored the fairness of art and its celebration.
Our Reflection
“Gulaal was more than a festival—it was a statement: that Pune, under Sixteen by Sixty‑four’s leadership, could host a multilateral cultural dialogue on a stage large enough for legends.”
We look back with immense pride. The festival was not just a celebration of art—it was an affirmation that Pune deserved, and could produce, a cultural event without peer in the region.
Visit us, to learn more about Sixteen by Sixty‑four’s cultural and cinematic ventures.