A Divine Dance Drama on the Life and Leelas of Lord Krishna

Presented by Desh-Videsh Media Group, in collaboration with a team of highly accomplished choreographers, seasoned performers, talented singers and gifted narrators, Krishnayan—Nritya Natika promises to be much more than a stage production. It is a living, breathing celebration of Indian culture, spirituality, and artistic excellence. Audiences will be transported into the world of devotion, music, and timeless grace as this extraordinary musical dance drama unfolds.

At the heart of the production are pivotal episodes from the life of Lord Krishna, each chosen for its spiritual significance and universal appeal. From his playful childhood in Gokul to the divine wisdom he imparts in the Bhagavad Gita, the narrative captures the multifaceted journey of Krishna—beloved child, mischievous cowherd, protector of dharma, and ultimate guide of humanity. Every scene is carefully woven with enchanting narration, soul-stirring music, and an exquisite blend of classical and folk dance traditions, ensuring that both the casual viewer and the spiritually inclined leave with lasting impressions.

The richness of Krishnayan lies in its ability to seamlessly merge art with devotion. Audiences will witness vibrant depictions of Krishna’s playful Ras Leela with the Gopis, his legendary lifting of Govardhan Hill, and his role as Arjuna’s divine charioteer in the Mahabharata. Each episode is accompanied by powerful narration that explains not only the story but also the timeless moral and spiritual teachings embedded within. The dances are choreographed to reflect the depth of these moments—sometimes joyous and celebratory, sometimes contemplative and profound.

Adding to the grandeur is a high-definition video backdrop, designed to immerse the audience in the settings of Vrindavan, Mathura, and Kurukshetra. These visual projections create a cinematic quality while maintaining the intimacy of live performance. Carefully chosen songs with soul-pleasing music provide the soundtrack, filling the space with bhajans, classical ragas, and folk melodies that resonate deeply with the heart. Together, the visual and auditory elements produce a spiritual experience that transcends a typical stage show.

The production is not only a feast for the senses but also a journey of reflection. Through Krishna’s teachings, particularly the eternal wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, audiences are reminded of the values of love, duty, and righteousness. Parents and children alike will find inspiration, making Krishnayan an enriching cultural and spiritual event for the entire family.

• A grand theatrical and dance spectacle on par with world-class productions
• Narration of key events from Lord Krishna’s divine life
• A fusion of semi-classical, folk, and expressive dance styles
• Accompanied by a high-definition video presentation for immersive storytelling
• Live soulful music by talented vocalists and instrumentalists
• Krishna’s timeless teachings from the Bhagavad Gita woven into the performance
• A spiritual and cultural journey suitable for audiences of all ages
• A visual and emotional celebration of devotion, beauty, and eternal wisdom

In essence, Krishnayan—Nritya Natika is more than entertainment—it is an offering of art in service of devotion, a bridge connecting generations to the enduring legacy of Lord Krishna.

From Dream to Reality: Raj Shah’s Concept for Krishnayan Nritya Natika

The vision for Krishnayan Nritya Natika was born from Raj Shah’s lifelong passion for sharing India’s spiritual and cultural heritage with a global audience. For him, Lord Krishna is more than a divine figure; he is a timeless guide whose teachings transcend generations. By blending dance, music, and narration, Raj envisioned a production that would both entertain and enlighten, especially for younger generations growing up outside of India.

His concept is rooted in the belief that art can connect hearts and bridge cultural gaps. Through Krishnayan, he sought to create an immersive experience where families could witness Krishna’s leelas (divine pastimes) not as distant mythology, but as living lessons relevant to modern life. Each story chosen for the performance reflects Krishna’s core qualities—playfulness, wisdom, courage, compassion, and guidance—that inspire audiences to live with higher values.

Raj’s vision emphasizes inclusivity by blending classical, semi-classical, and folk traditions, making the production appealing to both seasoned connoisseurs of Indian dance and first-time viewers. The use of narration, music, and multimedia makes it accessible across generations and cultures. Ultimately, his goal is to awaken a sense of devotion and pride in India’s heritage while reinforcing the eternal relevance of the teachings from the Bhagavad Gita.

A software engineer by profession, an Indian culture enthusiast, an ardent promoter of Hinduism, and a cancer survivor, Raj Shah is a very positive and forward-thinking person. Living in the United States since 1970, he considers the US his Karmabhoomi, but he does not forget his Mathrubhumi, India, even for a minute.

He served as chairman of the board for the Hindu University of America’s South Florida campus and was a founding board member and chairman of the International Hindu University. Raj is actively involved with the Broward School Board, where he continues to contribute to the educational and cultural growth of the broader community.

He currently sits on the board of the Akshaya Patra South Florida Chapter.The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a nonprofit organization in India dedicated to ensuring no child is deprived of education due to hunger. As the world’s largest NGO-run school feeding program, it has expanded its operations dramatically since its inception in 2000.

Today, the organization serves over 2.35 million children daily across more than 25,000 schools and Anganwadi centers. This massive effort is made possible through a network of over 75 kitchens. The foundation has served more than 4 billion meals to date, a testament to its profound impact on combating hunger and encouraging school attendance throughout India.

Committed to this noble cause, Raj is donating all the proceeds of Krishnayan Nritya Natika to The Akshaya Patra Foundation.

Rupal Talati – Live Singer and Narrator

Musician and cybersecurity professional Rupal Talati has a rich background in both the arts and sciences. Her musical journey began at age eight, culminating in a Sangeet Visharad degree with a gold medal. She has trained under notable artists like Dr. Monica Shah, Smt. Mudrika Jani, and Shri Krishnakant Parikh, a disciple of Pt. Jasraj. Additionally, she honed her skills in folk and light music under Shri Nayan Pancholi, a disciple of Anup Jalota. Her artistic talents extend to dance, as she is also trained in Bharat Natyam under Dr. Neha Shah.

During a memorable performance, Ms. Talati had the honor of singing Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite bhajan, “Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye,” in front of his grandson, Arun Gandhi. This deeply moving rendition paid tribute to the legacy of the great leader. 

Ms. Talati performs professionally in both bhajans and garba, sharing her talent with audiences both locally and in India alongside acclaimed artists. Off the stage, she is equally accomplished, holding master’s degrees in physics/electronics and computer science, and having been working in the field of cybersecurity for over a decade. Her diverse pursuits highlight a unique harmony between her passion for music and her career in technology.

Kahini Chandriani – Choreographer

Kahini Dance Company is where your feet learn to party! Founded by Kahini Chandriani, this groovy platform lets people explore epic dance styles like Modern Jazz, Hip Hop, Semi-Classical, Folk, Contemporary, and, of course, those irresistible Bollywood moves. Kahini isn’t your average dancer—she’s been trained in classical and folk styles, performed at mega-events like the IIFA Awards, and danced in Bollywood blockbusters like Dhoom 2 and Bunty Aur Babli. Now, she’s spreading the joy in Fort Lauderdale, FL, teaching kids and adults how to slay the dance floor for shows and competitions. Oh, and if you’re feeling the Bollywood vibe while working out, her BollyFit routine will have you sweating and grooving to hit tracks in no time. Dance, fitness, and fun

Amishi Patel – Choreographer

Amishi Patel is a Senior VP and a computer engineer and she works as a  corporate and investment banker.  She started dancing at the tender age of 5 and has trained in Bharatnaytam. She did her Arangetram at 12 in Mumbai with Gurukul Dance Academy under the guidance of Guru Savitha Rao and founder Bollywood actress Asha Parekh. Amishi has since trained in various dance forms like folk, Bollywood and contemporary. She is the mother of two beautiful kids and lives in Weston.

Amishi is the winner of Ms Bharat Florida, Ms Bharat USA and Ms South Asia World. She also won Ms Talented and Ms Gracefully Gorgeous in the competitions. She models for various jewelry and clothes brands in and around FL.

Amishi also trains kids and adults of all ages in various dance forms; she teaches all Indian dance styles. She started Nach Bollywood Style in 2015 in Weston and has trained close to 1000 students for various shows and competitions via her dance school Nach Bollywood Style.

Nach Bollywood Style (NBS) is Weston’s own dance company that works with various forms of Indian Dance styles, like Bharatanatyam, Bollywood dance and Folk. Amishi Patel is the founder and lead choreographer of Nach Bollywood Style ( NBS). Nach Bollywood Style performs in public events and competes regularly in events like IRCC Diwali, Vaisakhi and IndiaFest Tampa. NBS’ junior team ( average age 10 years ) recently competed and won the trifecta , the Best Costumes , Best Choreographer and #1 team in Junior Garba at Indiafest 2023 in Tampa. 

This is the second time NBS won this trifecta – they won it before in 2019 as well.

Neha Shah – Choreographer

Dr. Neha Shah, Director of Nrutyanjali School of Dance, is a disciple of Guru Kubernath Tanjorkar and Kumari Pratibha Pandit of Vadodara, India. She has had a long and scintillating career as a performer, teacher, and choreographer of Bharatanatyam and Indian folk dances. She has performed at prestigious classical and folk dance festivals across India and in 22 countries worldwide. She is also a recipient of the Singar Mani, Kedarmani, and Outstanding Young Artist awards. As India’s Cultural Ambassador, Dr. Shah traveled with the late Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi, performing for the then President of Kenya and having the privilege of performing before Queen Elizabeth II. 

This year, Nrutyanjali School of Dance celebrates 31 years in South Florida, with 39 successful Arangetrams under her guidance. Her choreographic contributions in Shakuntal, Jazz Yatra, From Darkness to Light, Chitram, Panchnidhi, Anvita, Unity through Diversity, Festival of Cultures, and more recently Dancing for God, Dashavtara and Shiva as Lord of Dance – Nataraja—have received rave reviews.  She has also collaborated with Flamenco and Middle Eastern dancers, creating innovative fusion works. Her Junior Folk Dance Group earned top honors at the Tampa Festivals. Dr.Shah has served as a judge for numerous dance competitions in both India and in the United States.

She holds a Ph.D. in Foods and Nutrition and works professionally as a consulting dietitian. She continues to train students at South Florida Hindu Temple and Parkland, FL.

Ranjana Warrier – Choreographer

Ranjana Warier was introduced to Indian Classical dances at the age of six. She got her training in Bharathanatyam and Mohiniyaattam from Kalamandalam Devaki and Kalamandalam Indira. 

She is an active member of the International Dance Council (at UNESCO). Her efforts to educate children on culture and history using dance as a medium has received wide recognition. She is a two-time winner of the prestigious Knight Foundation Arts Challenge award, HistoryMiami museum resident artist, multiple grant recipient from local Government organizations including Broward Cultural Council, a national reviewer for Young Arts Foundation and a routine presenter at various libraries, universities and museums promoting Indian art forms and culture. 

Her choreography work was commissioned by several institutions including Florida Grand Opera, Town of Davie, Miami Book Fair, Young at Art Museum, HistoryMiami museum and Miami Children’s Museum to name a few. She has several full-length productions to her credit. She has won Best Choreographer award in several Indian classical dance competitions.

Ranjana has an Engineering degree and a Master’s degree in Computer Science. She was a nationally seeded chess player and has won several prestigious tournaments. She is currently working in the field of Cyber Security. She is the artistic director of “Rhythms School of Dance” in South Florida; which offers certified degree courses in Indian Classical dances.

Namaste 2023: A Celebration of Indian Culture in South Florida

Akshaya Patra is thrilled to announce the return of Namaste! 2023 to South Florida, and it promises to be bigger and more entertaining than ever before. Building on the success of Namaste! 2022, our inaugural event that attracted 10,000 visitors, this year’s celebration is set to surpass all expectations.

Namaste! 2022 was an incredible journey into the heart of Indian culture, with non-stop music and dance performances that captivated attendees. It was a vibrant exploration of India’s diversity, showcasing the rich tapestry of the nation’s cultural heritage and the four major religions originating from India. Alongside these captivating performances, visitors were treated to an array of delectable Indian cuisine and had the opportunity to shop for treasures from every corner of India. Once again, Akshaya Patra is partnering with Sanjay Chandran of Florida Fine Arts to produce both the Namaste Festival and the Fundraiser Gala.

The founders of the South Florida Chapters of Akshaya Patra, Venkat Maddineni, Meena and Raj Rajgopal, had a conversation with Raj Shah and Dr. Narendra Maheshwari, Board Advisor to the chapter, along with Sanjay Chandran, to discuss the incredible success of Namaste! 2022 and the vision for this year’s event.

 Expanding Cultural Horizons

Namaste! aims to bridge cultures by exposing the rich heritage of India to both Indians and local residents. In 2022, 38% of attendees were locals from diverse backgrounds, including white, Hispanic, Asian, and African American communities. Moreover, attendees flocked not only from South Florida but from across the United States, with 15% traveling from outside Florida. The event demonstrated the seamless blending of Indian culture with other cultural facets, enriching the broader community.

A key objective of Namaste was to showcase India’s vast diversity. Visitors, including children and locals, had the opportunity to appreciate the unique cultural identities of various Indian states, such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra, Telangana, Punjab, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Kashmir. This exploration was made possible through arts, crafts, clothing, food, historical landmarks, and interactions with natives eager to share their heritage.

One of the artists performing at Namaste expressed, “It’s a moment of great joy and pride to showcase Indian Classical Dance on such a grand platform. We had a myriad of Bollywood, folk, and classical dances, not to mention the rich diversity of Indian music. It’s beautiful.”

Community leaders from various religious institutions, including the South Florida Hindu Temple, BAPS Mandir, Jain Temple, Buddhist Temple, and the Gurudwara, played a pivotal role in supporting and promoting the event, showcasing the teachings of their respective faiths and encouraging their communities to participate.

 Reaching Beyond Borders

While engaging the Indian community is relatively straightforward given the multitude of cultural events in South Florida, reaching local residents presented its own set of challenges. To overcome this, Akshaya Patra collaborated with the City of Pompano Beach and the Visit Lauderdale Bureau, both of which enthusiastically provided marketing support through their extensive channels. To further remove barriers, the event was made free for all, with complimentary parking.

An Event That Transformed Lives

The success of Namaste was palpable not only to the attendees but also to the vendors who came from across the United States. Mehendi artists secured wedding bookings, boutiques saw unprecedented demand from Indians and non-Indians alike, and food vendors were deeply grateful for the opportunity to be present.

 Akshaya Patra’s Mission

Another primary objective of the Namaste event was to raise awareness of Akshaya Patra’s mission. This organization, which originated in Bangalore, India in 2000, began by delivering meals to 1,500 students in local government schools. This initiative was launched with the goal of addressing child hunger and promoting education, and it immediately yielded positive results. School attendance increased, and students exhibited improved health and academic performance.

Over the years, Akshaya Patra has expanded its reach, operating 67 kitchens in 15 states and 2 union territories in India. The organization’s mission is clear: “No child should be deprived of education because of hunger.” By providing hot, nutritious meals to over 2 million children across India for a full school year at an astonishingly low cost of about $20 per child, Akshaya Patra helps children focus on their education and pursue brighter futures.

The Namaste Festival of 2022 inspired over 300 donors to attend a unique fusion music and dance concert and fundraiser for Akshaya Patra. Led by Sanjay Chandran and Radha Kotamraju, the event raised enough funds to feed over 20,000 children. Today, the name Akshaya Patra resonates more widely in South Florida, thanks to the 10,000 attendees and the half a million Floridians touched by Namaste.

Namaste 2023: An Experience Not to Miss

The Namaste! Festival on December 2, 2023, promises to be an immersive experience, featuring over 400 performers and 100 booths and exhibits showcasing Indian arts, crafts, and foods. Admission is free for a limited time, with registration available at www.namastefl.com. The festival will be followed by the Namaste! Concert on December 3rd at the indoor Pompano Beach Cultural Center. This lively event will blend Indian and world music genres, featuring popular and original compositions, and serve as a fundraiser for Akshaya Patra.

Namaste! 2023 is the result of a true team effort, with hundreds of dancers, musicians, and Namaste champions putting in hours of practice for a noble cause. You can also contribute to this meaningful endeavor by sponsoring a table at the Namaste Concert on December 3rd. Contact us at namasteflevent@gmail.com to find out how you can get involved.