For centuries, women have stood at the heart of Indian poetry and song, as muse, as protagonist, as metaphor, and as mirror. From the female divine to the nayika and the ganika, classical literature and musical traditions have returned again and again to the woman's body, her longing, her defiance, and her sorrow. Yet many of these verses were composed by men writing in the female voice, their imaginative leaps coloured by the social context in which they were situated.
Drawing on her abiding interest in Hindi sahitya and her ongoing study of raagdari music, acclaimed Vocalist and Composer Shubha Mudgal presents a carefully curated selection of verses by some of the great masters of Indian poetry over the past few centuries. Set to music and illuminated through performance, these compositions explore diverse perspectives on femininity, desire, beauty, social norms, and resistance. Each composition and verse conveys stories of women: some celebrate sensuality and erotic expression with striking candour, while others bear witness to the injustices, prejudices, and burdens that women have historically endured and continue to confront. She is accompanied by Aneesh Pradhan(Tabla), Sudhir Nayak(Harmonium), and Upagna Pandya and Srijonee Bhattacharjee(Tanpura and Vocal Accompaniment).
How do poetry and music shape our understanding of women’s voices across generations? Can centuries-old verses still speak to contemporary ideas of identity, desire, and agency? These questions form the foundation of Women, Sexuality and Song, an evocative performance by Shubha Mudgal that brings together literature, music, and cultural history. Presented as part of Avid Learning’s upcoming events, this special evening at the Royal Opera House Mumbai offers audiences an opportunity to experience classical poetry through a fresh and thought-provoking lens.
Among the most anticipated Hindustani classical music concerts in Mumbai, the performance explores how women have been imagined, represented, and remembered in Indian poetry, inviting listeners to engage with familiar literary traditions in new ways.
Reimagining the Female Gaze in Classical Indian Poetry
Indian poetry has long placed women at the centre of its emotional and spiritual landscapes. From Bhakti poetry and medieval Hindi literature to thumri and dadra compositions, the nayika, or female protagonist, has served as one of the most enduring figures in Indian artistic traditions. Her voice expresses longing, devotion, joy, separation, resilience, and desire, making her central to the emotional vocabulary of classical music.
Women Sexuality and Song Shubha Mudgal revisits these literary traditions by exploring the female gaze in classic Indian poetry. Rather than treating these compositions as historical artefacts, the performance asks audiences to reconsider how women’s experiences are represented within them. It explores how themes of intimacy, spirituality, love, and autonomy continue to resonate, revealing the remarkable relevance of these centuries-old texts.
The programme also reflects on the relationship between the female divine and Nayika in Indian literature, where devotion and romantic longing often become intertwined. Across Bhakti poetry, Krishna literature, and Hindi literary traditions, the boundaries between the sacred and the personal are intentionally blurred, creating works that continue to inspire musicians and audiences alike.
Poetry Through the Language of Raagdari
One of the defining features of Hindustani classical music is its deep relationship with poetry. Musical forms such as thumri and dadra are built around carefully crafted verses, where every word carries emotional weight and every melodic phrase deepens literary meaning. In these traditions, poetry is not simply sung; it is interpreted, expanded, and brought to life through improvisation and expression.
This Hindi Sahitya and Raagdari music concert celebrates that enduring dialogue between text and melody. Each composition becomes an exploration of language, emotion, and imagination, demonstrating how poetry continues to evolve through musical performance. The result is an experience where literature is not confined to the page but unfolds through voice, rhythm, and silence.
An Evening of Musical Excellence
Joining Shubha Mudgal are renowned musicians Aneesh Pradhan and Sudhir Nayak. Aneesh Pradhan on the tabla brings rhythmic sensitivity that complements the poetry while Sudhir Nayak on the harmonium provides melodic depth, allowing each verse to unfold with clarity and nuance.
Together, the trio creates a performance where poetry remains the emotional centre, supported by the rich improvisational traditions of Hindustani classical music.
A Literary and Musical Experience in Mumbai
Hosted at the iconic Royal Opera House Mumbai, this event stands out among the live music events at Royal Opera House Mumbai for its thoughtful engagement with literature and music. Rather than presenting classical compositions in isolation, it places poetry at the forefront, encouraging audiences to reflect on how words acquire new meanings through performance.
It offers an opportunity to experience the enduring dialogue between Hindi poetry and Hindustani music. By bringing together literature, raagdari, and contemporary interpretation, the evening demonstrates how classical traditions continue to evolve while remaining deeply relevant to modern audiences.
