Dancing Queen

Aditi Bhagwat is an award-winning foot percussionist and dancer from India. Aditi specializes in the Jaipur style of classical Indian dance. The radiant storytelling of the Kathak traditions finds a strong place in Aditi’s intrinsic rhythmic sensibility. Aditi weaves the arcs of bells, graceful stomps, and echoing stillness throughout the theatrics of Kathak.

Establishing a disciplined work ethic from a young age, Aditi began her rigorous studies at the age of four. Alongside grueling certifications and apprenticeships as part of her dance training, she went on to successfully complete a masters degree in Psychology. 

Aditi has delved into numerous Indian classical traditions, including Taal and Laikari. She has likewise welcomed the opportunity to experiment with traditional and innovative disciplines of world music using Kathak and Iavani styles in collaboration with Jazz maestro Louiz Banks, renowned percussionist Sivamani, Jazz music composer Merlin D’Souza, Rod Williams, and Bela Szakcsi Lakatos for the Gypsy-Indian World Jazz project in Hungary. With her dazzling foot percussion displays, Aditi has enthralled audiences in India and abroad in the USA, Australia, Singapore, London, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Poland and New Zealand.

So when we decided to do the shoot it was very clear that it will be sort of different and unusual, if I say so, and more artistic. Instantly we went around zeroing the areas or location to shoot. Here is the final result.

The temple (which surprised all of us with an outlook straight from khajuraho) shoot was both exhilarating and fun. It was too shot by the dawn. The backdrop, beautiful golden light, the costume and poise were seamlessly merged into each-other to make it a 'perfect-picture'.

The nautanki series was shot in a small remote village. The otherwise sleepy village came to buzzing when Aditi stepped out of her car in kashta, to strike the pose. The whole village has come down to witness her. Literally we had to go 'click, click, and more click and finished the shoot in flat 20 minutes.

I love early morning light when the day is still breaking from the night, especially the first ray of sunlight. We decided to do an early morning shoot at the Juhu beach for her western look. And man how beautifully it worked out for both of us.

The desert shoot was the last-one and done during the sunset. We wanted something edgy and rough. I guess we did succeed in capturing amongst the barren land and cactus. She in her black attire added the wholesome drama to the images.

Ban-Ganga, suggested by Inderjit Nagi, turned out to be the most fascinating shoot on the hills of Malabar Hills/Walkeshwar road. Its a historic place surrounded by temples and houses and a water body in the middle. I discovered lots of telugu speaking people residing in the vicinity. Amazing site.

Until next!