Visva-Bharati Alumna Prantika Saha Creates Waves with a Bold Reimagining of Tagore’s Chitrangada for Today’s Youth
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 18: In a time when social media validation, online judgment, and unrealistic beauty standards are deeply impacting young minds, Mumbai-based theatre practitioner and cultural torchbearer Prantika...
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 18: In a time when social media validation, online judgment, and unrealistic beauty standards are deeply impacting young minds, Mumbai-based theatre practitioner and cultural torchbearer Prantika Saha is turning to Rabindranath Tagore’s timeless dance drama Chitrangada to spark an urgent and deeply relevant conversation.
Her upcoming dance-drama, “CHITRANGADA – Reimagined”, is a powerful contemporary interpretation that draws a striking parallel between Tagore’s warrior princess and today’s youth grappling with cyberbullying, trolling, body image issues, and digital peer pressure. The production explores themes of identity, self-worth, emotional vulnerability, and the conflict between external validation and inner truth—questions that resonate profoundly in today’s hyper-connected yet emotionally isolating digital world.
A distinguished alumna of Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, Prantika Saha carries forward the cultural and philosophical legacy of Tagore with both sensitivity and bold innovation. Deeply rooted in the values of holistic education and artistic expression nurtured at Santiniketan, she brings to the stage not only artistic excellence but also a strong sense of responsibility towards preserving and revitalizing Bengal’s rich cultural heritage—particularly among probashi Bengalis living away from their roots.
Through Chitrangada – Reimagined, she aims to bridge generations—making Tagore’s philosophy accessible, relatable, and impactful for today’s youth, who often find themselves caught between curated online identities and their authentic selves.
What makes this production particularly noteworthy is its strong social and inclusive foundation. The project brings together performers ranging from 4 to 80 years of age—students, working professionals, doctors, homemakers, and senior citizens—creating a truly intergenerational artistic community. In a rare and commendable initiative, all participants are trained without charging any fees, driven purely by Prantika Saha’s belief that art should be inclusive, therapeutic, and transformative rather than exclusive or transactional.
“This is not just a theatrical production for me,” says Prantika Saha.
“It is a journey of reconnecting our youth with their cultural roots, while also addressing the silent struggles they face today—of comparison, invisibility, and self-doubt. Tagore asked these questions over a century ago; we are still living them, perhaps even more intensely.”
Presented by Anand Rupayan Cultural Academy, Chitrangada – Reimagined promises a visually rich and emotionally immersive stage experience. The production seamlessly blends Rabindrasangeet, Indian classical dance forms, and theatrical storytelling with modern staging, lighting design, and dramatic interpretation. While preserving the soul and lyrical essence of Tagore’s original composition, it introduces contemporary dialogues, symbolic visuals, and innovative choreography to resonate deeply with modern audiences.
Adding another meaningful layer to the project is its original music album, specially produced for the performance. The album retains the authenticity of Rabindrasangeet while incorporating fresh musical textures, cinematic arrangements, and nuanced vocal interpretations. It is currently streaming worldwide across major platforms including Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, and JioSaavn, allowing audiences to engage with the production beyond the stage.
The project is also deeply personal and intergenerational in spirit. While Prantika Saha helms the production as director and creative visionary, her son, Dr. Ankur Saha, plays the pivotal role of Arjun, bringing emotional depth and contemporary sensitivity to the character.
Speaking about the production, Dr. Ankur Saha shares:
“As someone deeply involved in this entire production I can say this- this is going to be powerful, intense. Through this production, we hope to start meaningful conversations about identity, self-worth, and the pressures of digital life. We would be truly happy to share this story that directly speaks to today’s youth, and invite audiences to witness this grand theatrical experience live.”
The dance-drama is scheduled to premiere on Sunday, 3rd May 2026 at 11:00 AM at Ravindra Natya Mandir, Mumbai. With its bold concept, strong social message, and cultural depth, Chitrangada – Reimagined is already generating significant interest—not merely as a stage performance, but as a meaningful artistic movement that speaks to the emotional and cultural realities of our times.
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