The MIT SAAS Desi Pardesi show held at the Kresge Auditorium on April 6 2007 was a talent showcase that featured performances that ranged from classical to hip-hop. “The theme of the show is  fusion of two cultures that each of us represent” said culture chairs Samir Zaidi, Varun Chirravuri and Aliya Popatia. Desi Pardesi was a fitting title for the talent this show where traditional styles like Bharatanatayam, Bhangara and Garba were presented along with fusion dances in the Bollywood style. 

The presentation opened with Ganapathi Kauthuvam in the Bharatanatyam style, choreographed by Amrita Saigal and presented by MIT-Natya, the classical dance group at MIT. This was a traditional opening prayer offered to Lord Ganesha. MIT is one of the very few schools that have a Bharatanatyam dance group comprising of several well trained dancers.

The Desi Pardesi theme was out in full force in the next item “Culture Shock” where choreographers Payal Agarwal, Jackie Beer and Suelin Chen presented a fusion of Bhangara and hip hop in an item. This was followed by the “traditional” freshman dance. Titled Battle for the Men of 2010 and choreographed by Manisha Padi and Sarina Siddhanti, it was a lovely medley – Bollywood style.

A recitation of Nazrul Islam’s Shrishti Shukher Ullashay was presented by Maroof Adil, Sarwar Hassan, Shammi Quddus, Easeen Zaman and Tuhid Zaman. The recitation included the original Bengali text and a contemporary English translation.

In the natural order of the South Asian culture shows, the sophomore dance came next. This was yet another medley choreographed by Atul Kapil, Pooja Jotwani, Mathangi Radhakrishnan and Joyatee Sarker. The customary South Asian culture show fusion between Indian classical and western styles took the form of a fun dance that was titled CTM and choreographed by Sravanti Kusuma and Deepa Mokshagundam.

Boston Bhangara presented an energetic number under the direction of Rohit and Priya Bhambi. Man Mohini choreographed by Namrata Verma claimed to be in a Gujarati-Rajasthani semi classical style. It was a beautiful dance set to the music from the movie Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. 

MIT Bhangara was out in full force with a number that was choreographed by KyNam Doan, Atul Kapila, Harmeet Gill, Sravanti Kusuma, Roli Mandhana and Aarthi Ramarathnam.

Comedian Deepa Mokshagundam had the audience rolling with laughter as she presented her musings on what she claimed to be “ethnic diversity in the face of esoterically subtle minority oppression in 21st century America”. Crazy Kiya was a dance where choreographers Sharmeen Browarek and Rimi Ganguly added Middle Eastern and Latin dance styles to their choreography.

08 Dhamaka, the junior dance choreographed by Payal Agarwal and Payal Kadakia was a traditional Garba-Raas piece. The dance had traditional elements and presented an upbeat showcase of Graba-Raas. MIT Chamak , the film dance group presented a dazzling number choreographed by Sonia Nijhawan and Sarina Siddhanti. The Senior Hichki choregraphed by Sharmeen Browarek, Rimi Ganguly and Shyamali Sinah was the grand finale that brought the show to a close.

The funds raised were donated to ASHA whose mission is to catalyze socio-economic change in India through education of underpriviledged chidlren in India.

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