Gulabijaan
Date: 6th December, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Venue: GD Birla Sabhaghar
Language: Hindi
For Ages: 16 and above
Early Bird Fees: Rs. 500
Kolkata Centre for Creativity presents Gulabijaan, a musical drama by Shukla Banerjee, as part of AMI Arts Festival 2025.
The play transports audiences to Chitpur, Kolkata, in 1881, where Gulabijaan, an 80-year-old courtesan, writes her memoir Dastan-e-Gulabijaan. Her story unfolds through Kathak, Thumri, Ghazal, and live music, offering a poignant glimpse into the lives of Awadh’s courtesans—once revered as icons of grace and artistry, later silenced by colonial power.
The performance honours their contributions to art, literature, and resistance, reclaiming a forgotten chapter of India’s history.
Not just a play — Gulabijaan is a mehfil of memory, music, and the voices of India’s artistic women.
ABOUT THE CREATOR
A passionate artist and founder of the cultural troupe Gandharvi, Shukla Banerjee blends classical music, dance, and storytelling with contemporary themes. Trained in Hindustani music and Bharatanatyam/Odissi under legends like Ustad Sagiruddin Khan and Sanjukta Panigrahi, she has staged acclaimed works like Tejaswini and Gulabijaan at the Nehru Centre, London.
ABOUT THE CAST
A dynamic theatre performer and poet, Moumita Mitra gained recognition for her solo play Sitayan and debut film Sastirupeno, which received international acclaim. She brings poetic depth and emotional nuance to the stage.
A disciple of Late Guru Shri Munna Shukla Ji (Lucknow Gharana), Ramandeep Kaur has performed across India and abroad. Founder of KathakReet, she’s known for her spiritually infused, soul-stirring Kathak renditions.
An FTII Pune graduate, Manjuleeka Sen is an accomplished cinematographer and dancer trained in Bharatanatyam, Odissi, and Kathak. Her unique storytelling style fuses classical expression with contemporary visuals.
Hailing from the legendary Moradabad Gharana, Kamaal Ahmed carries the legacy of five generations. Trained by his father Ustad Siddique Ahmed Khansahab, he has performed at Kaalidas Samaroh, Swar Utsav, and India Festival in Russia.
A descendant of Ustad Abdul Wahid Khan Sahab of the Kirana Gharana, Salamat Ali Khan brings a rare depth of tradition to his performances, continuing the powerful legacy of Indian Khayal Gayaki.
ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE
<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Gulabijaan is a spellbinding musical drama envisioned by Shukla Banerjee, blending live music, Kathak, Ghazal, Thumri, and theatre. </span>
Set in 1881 Kolkata, the narrative follows an ageing courtesan as she pens her memoir Dastan-e-Gulabijaan. Through her reminiscences, audiences are transported from the glittering mehfils of Awadh to the fading courtyards of Chitpur, witnessing the opulence, artistry, and erasure of the baijis.
More than just a performance, Gulabijaan is a tribute to resilience, memory, and forgotten cultural icons who shaped India’s music, literature, and resistance.
