Art can contribute to education, town-planning & even mental health: Mayuri Upadhya

Imagine a performance where movement itself becomes a form of meditation. That’s exactly what choreographer Mayuri Upadhya is creating with her new show, Bhakti. “Bhakti is rooted in the spiritual wisdom of Indian saint-poets, featuring an ensemble of ten dancers diving into India’s rich legacy of spiritual poetry. More than dance, this is about poetry. It’s about what these saints were trying to tell us — and what that means today. For me, it’s about exploring the emotion of devotion, not in the religious sense alone, but in the way it anchors us in a chaotic world,” explains Mayuri.



‘Art is enriched by trust and connection’
Mayuri shares that this production is a family and community effort. “My sister, Madhuri, a painter and choreographer, is choreographing some pieces, and my mother is coordinating everything behind the scenes. We even have the dancers staying close to our home. It’s a deeply collaborative experience.” “There’s something so grounding about being surrounded by people who know you, not just as an artiste, but as a person. You can feel it on stage. That energy — of trust, intimacy, connection — it seeps into every movement,” she adds.

‘In today’s time, we must consider how art can serve society’
Performing arts are treated like hobbies, Mayuri laments. “But in today’s time, we must consider where our country stands, what it needs, and most importantly, how art can serve society. It’s not just about performing on a stage; art is more than that, and its power is often underestimated. It can contribute to education, town planning, and even mental health. We need deeper collaborations across our country.”

I’m a shapeshifter; I don’t want to be boxed’
For Mayuri, labels like dancer, choreographer, and guru feel limiting and can never capture the fluidity of her artistic journey. “I’m a student, always. I want to outgrow a version of myself constantly,” says Mayuri.

‘Today, new avenues are opening up for artists to make their voices heard’
Mayuri believes that while challenges persist, new avenues are opening up for artists. Discussing how contemporary platforms are shaping the landscape, she says, “Social media and reality shows are increasing the visibility of performing arts. But it’s the artists themselves who are skilfully using these tools to redefine how classical dance is perceived. There’s a stronger voice emerging, and it’s fantastic.” She adds, “However, social media is a tool. The real question is — who’s using it and how? The intent behind its use matters far more. And I must say, today’s generation is refusing to stay silent. They’re doing a fantastic job.”