Mitali and Raul DSouza bring two different Indian dance traditions close
Despite both being dancers,Mitali and Raul DSouza never wanted to come in the way of each others work. All that changed in 2003,when the couplenearly three years after their marriagepresented a four-minute piece together at the Asian Dance Convention in San Antonio,US. Even though Mitali has stuck to Odissi dance for the last 22 years while Raul has concentrated on Bharatnatyam,their performance seemed to complement each others dance form.
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It wasnt a jugalbandi. It was more of a fusion or blend of two dance forms. We danced in our individual style simultaneously, recalls Mitali. The convection turned out to be an eye-opener. They realised the potential and beauty of dancing together in their respective forms. This was on display once again at the Khajuraho festival last month.
At the festival,Mitali and Raul attempted to blend their footwork,gestures and expressions within the traditional framework,making their 45-minute-long performance a delightful experience. Choreographed by Deepak Mazumdar,Rauls guru,their presentation comprised a piece on Ardhanariswar,Lord Ganesh and a rhythm-based repertoire that explored fast movement. We didnt stick to traditional music as the festival crowd mostly had foreigners and tourists. We wanted show something thats easy to comprehend, says Mitali,a disciple of Odissi exponent Jhelum Paranjape.
We used to give solo or group performances most of the times earlier, says Raul. However,after San Antonio many senior dancers encouraged them to perform together. Since we are married,working as well as experimenting together becomes easier, he adds. Raul,a disciple of Mazumdar,is also part of Hema Malinis troupe. In fact,for the last 11 years,the 39-year-old has been playing Krishna to the veteran actresss Radha.
For Raul,however,only weekends are meant for practising dance since he has a regular job. After working as a purser for Delta Airlines for 12 years,he now works for Marangoni Fashion Institute. Unlike Raul,Odissi takes up most of Mitalis waking hours,barring the time devoted to bring up their two children. I teach dance to around 30 students. However,in the weekends,Raul and I practice together, she says.
Since 2003,they have created nearly six repertoires together. With Durga Puja just a few months away,they now want to compose a dance piece on the Goddess.
Alaka Sahani is a prominent film critic and journalist based in Mumbai. With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as one of India’s most authoritative voices in cinematic journalism, known for an analytical approach and insights that transcend the standard cycle of celebrity journalism.
Expertise & Accolades
In 2014, Alaka was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Film Critic. Her Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) citation specifically lauded her for "highlighting facets of cinema beyond glamour and gossip" and for her ability to delve into the contemporary relevance of iconic filmmakers. Her commitment to journalistic integrity was further recognised in 2019 with a Special Mention at the Red Ink Awards for her investigative feature, 'In Search of a Star'. Her article titled 'People Like Us', published in The Indian Express on March 27, 2022, was shortlisted for Red Ink Award, 2023.
Global Industry Leadership
Alaka’s expertise is sought after by major international and domestic film bodies:
Golden Globes: In 2025, she joined the international voting body for the 83rd Annual Golden Globes.
National Film Awards: She served on the prestigious jury for the 68th National Film Awards, helping select the finest contributions to Indian cinema.
Global Perspective: Her work consistently bridges the gap between commercial Bollywood A-listers and emerging independent talents, offering nuanced insights into both Indian regional cinema and international film trends.
Focus & Vision
Beyond the screen, Alaka is a dedicated observer of Mumbai’s vibrant theatre scene and the historical evolution of the moving image. Through her long-form articles and deep-dive interviews, she continues to challenge "tried-and-tested" templates, providing readers with a deep understanding of the artistic and systemic workings of the Indian and global film industry. ... Read More
