New Delhi-based artist Santosh Nair’s dedication to merging traditional and contemporary dance forms has ensured that his dance company ‘Sadhya’ remains a vibrant force in the world of dance.

As ‘Sadhya’ moves forward celebrating 25 years, it undoubtedly continues to inspire and captivate audiences, staying true to its mission of artistic excellence and innovation.

Sadhya - a Sanskrit word meaning ‘An Achievable Task’; gave a new meaning to its founder Santosh Nair, who has been awarded PhD in Art and Culture Samman, along with Atal Behari Vajpayee Lifetime Achievement Award and The Guru Samman Award for his invaluable contribution to the field of dance.

In this exclusive interview, Santosh Nair reflects on the evolution of Sadhya, the impact of its work, and the future of contemporary dance. Excerpts.

How did the journey begin?

The journey started back in 1998 with a clear vision: to create a platform that bridged traditional and contemporary dance forms. I wanted Sadhya to be more than just a dance company; I aimed to foster a unique dance language that respected our roots while embracing modern expressions. The early years were challenging but rewarding, as we built our reputation and developed our core philosophy.

Sadhya has seen a range of productions over the years. What do you believe has been the key to its enduring success?

We have always aimed to evolve, integrating diverse dance forms and exploring new themes. Our success is also due to the dedication of our artists, the support of the dance community, and the enthusiasm of our students.

Can you tell us more about ‘The Game of Dice’ and ‘The Mystical Forest’ – two of your most notable productions?

‘The Game of Dice’ premiered in 2004 and explored of both traditional and contemporary dance forms.

Drawing from Kathakali, Mayurbhanj Chhau, and contemporary dance, we used an episode from the Mahabharata to tell a compelling story.

On the other hand, ‘The Mystical Forest’, created for the Kalanidhi Arts Festival in 2014, focused on the Mayurbhanj Chhau dance form. This production was inspired by the traditional dance form’s deep connection to nature and tribal life.

How did your early experiences and training influence Sadhya?

My early exposure to dance through my family, my father Kalamandalam Padmanabhan and my uncles, played a significant role in shaping my understanding and appreciation of the art form. Training under esteemed gurus like Sadanam Balakrishnan and Narendra Sharma and Guru Janem Joy Sai Babu moulded the dancer in me and helped me master classical and contemporary styles.

My admiration for Uday Shankar, a pioneer of contemporary dance in India, also influenced my approach.

How has your international experience shaped the work of Sadhya?

International experiences have been incredibly enriching. Performing at festivals like the Modern Dance Festival in West Germany and the BigWorld Festival in Brazil exposed me to global dance trends and practices.

Collaborating with international artists has broadened our perspective and introduced new elements to our work.

Sadhya recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with a production titled ‘Vibrant India’. Tell us more about this?

Vibrant India was a celebration of India’s rich classical, folk, and creative dance forms. It coincided with India’s G20 presidency. The production showcased India’s diverse dance heritage and was featured at several important G20 events. Performing at the opening of Bharat Mandapam in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a significant honour.