Kolkata Centre for Creativity presents Gulabijaan, a musical drama by Shukla Banerjee, founder of the cultural group, Gandharvi. 

• 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 who were 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. 

  Featuring Artists: 

• Pamela Singh – Classical & Ghazal Vocalist 
• Moumita Mitra – Actor, Poet, Theatre Performer 
• Ramandeep Kaur – Kathak Dancer, Lucknow Gharana 
• Manjuleeka Sen – Cinematographer & Dancer 
• Kamaal Ahmed – Sarangi Maestro, Moradabad Gharana 
• Salamat Ali Khan – Classical Vocalist, Kirana Gharana 

• Gulabijaan is not just a play, it brings 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 

• Pamela Singh is a renowned Ghazal and classical vocalist, trained under Sh. Bhagwan Das Saini and Sh. Madan Bali. A recipient of the Haryana State Ghazal Award and an All India Radio–certified artist, she has performed on prestigious stages across the world. 

• 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.