Choreographer Rani Khanam and dancer Aakash Odedra have been jointly awarded the Dance category at the Eastern Eye Art, Culture and Theatre Awards (ACTAs) 2025 for their powerful collaboration on Songs of the Bulbul. This evocative new work draws on an ancient Sufi myth to tell the story of a nightingale—or bulbul—trapped in captivity, whose final, heartbreaking song becomes a metaphor for the soul’s release and yearning for the divine. The award recognises Khanam’s masterful choreography and Odedra’s deeply expressive performance, which together created a transcendent exploration of beauty, sacrifice and spiritual freedom.
Blending the classical Indian dance form of Kathak with the poetic mysticism of Sufism, Songs of the Bulbul weaves together movement, music and narrative into an immersive, emotionally charged experience. Rani Khanam, one of India’s leading Kathak artists, is known for her spiritual approach to dance and her ability to bring depth and meaning to traditional forms. In this work, she channels her expertise into a narrative that transcends time and culture, elevating Kathak from a classical performance art to a vehicle for profound philosophical reflection.
Aakash Odedra, celebrated for his unique ability to fuse classical Indian dance with contemporary expression, delivers a performance of exceptional emotional intensity. His portrayal of the caged bird, caught between physical confinement and spiritual awakening, offers a deeply moving meditation on the tension between the material and the divine. Odedra’s career has been marked by innovation, with critically acclaimed works that span continents and cultures, and Songs of the Bulbul further affirms his position as one of the UK’s most significant dance artists.
Together, Khanam and Odedra have crafted a work that speaks to universal themes of longing, transformation and liberation. Their ACTAs win is a testament to the enduring power of South Asian dance to tell stories that resonate far beyond the stage. Songs of the Bulbul not only honours cultural heritage, but reimagines it in a way that invites audiences to reflect on their own spiritual journeys—reminding us that even in captivity, the soul can sing.
