SADHANA - The Grace through Kathak

Production Synopsis:

SADHANA – The Grace through Kathak is a full-length solo work by Karthik Shetty that reflects the inner journey of an artiste shaped by years of disciplined practice. Curated by TFA Inner Space Dance, the Sadhana series began in 2016, inspired by the philosophy that mastery is attained through unwavering dedication. This performance features a unique repertoire of compositions by Paramita Maitra and the late Kathak maestro Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj. Performed with live tabla, sarangi and sitar, the work journeys through Kathak's traditional repertoire, weaving together intricate footwork, rhythmic dialogue and dynamic chakkars (pirouettes). Integrating nritta (pure dance) and nritya (expressive dance), the performance showcases both technical virtuosity and artistic introspection. One of the few full-length Kathak solo performances in Malaysia, SADHANA reflects the dancer's journey from disciplined practice to artistic grace.

Production team list:

Dancer: Karthik Shetty

Musicians:
•  Paramita Maitra (Bol Padhant)
• Rohini Shetty Umesh Shetty (Bol Padhant)
• Vick Ramakrishnan (Tabla)
• Sangeet Mishra (Sarangi)
• Kumar Karthigesu (Sitar)

Karthik Shetty’s Bio

Born into a family of dancers, Karthik Shetty began his artistic journey at the age of three at The Temple of Fine Arts (TFA), Malaysia, under the guidance of his grandmother, Ratha Shetty, with his grandfather, the late Master Gopal Shetty, as his inspiration, and his father, Umesh Shetty, as a guiding force in exploring various dance genres. His early years were nurtured through Bala Vihar, after which he delved into Contemporary dance, Kathak and Bharatanatyam within the enriching environment of TFA. Over the years, Karthik has graced stages both locally and internationally, including the prestigious Darbar Festival at Sadler’s Wells, London, in 2019, choreographed by Mavin Khoo and curated by Akram Khan. His passion for Kathak deepened under the invaluable guidance of the legendary Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj. Continuing this legacy, he trains under Vidushi Paramita Maitra, with whom he undertook intensive training in Kolkata and has also had the privilege of learning from Vidushi Saswati Sen in New Delhi. Alongside Kathak, he remains devoted to his training in Bharatanatyam and Tabla at TFA, embodying a holistic commitment to the classical arts. Parallel to his artistic journey, Karthik has carved a distinguished path in the culinary world. He holds a Diploma in Culinary Arts and an Advanced Diploma in Patisserie and Gastronomic Cuisine (with Distinction), and most recently graduated with First Class Honours in Bachelor of Culinary Management from Taylor’s University, where he was also conferred the prestigious SHINE Gold Award. His professional journey has been equally enriching, with a transformative internship in 2022 at L’atelier Alexandre Bousquet, a One Michelin star restaurant in Biarritz, France. In 2024, he further honed his craft at Saint Pierre, a two Michelin star restaurant in Singapore, under the mentorship of Chef Emmanuel Stroobant. For Karthik, dance and cuisine are parallel expressions of creativity, discipline and storytelling. With deep humility, gratitude and unwavering dedication, he continues to explore both worlds, ever committed to learning, growth and sharing beauty through his art.

Company Profile:

TFA Inner Space Dance (ISD) is the professional performing wing of The Temple of Fine Arts (TFA) International, established in 2005 as a platform for dancers and musicians pursuing the arts as a profession. Evolving from TFA’s strong educational foundation, ISD bridges rigorous classical training with contemporary performance practice, forming an integral part of its ecosystem of teaching, learning and creation. Its debut production Inside Out received critical acclaim and multiple BOH Cameronian Arts Awards, establishing the company’s artistic impact in Malaysia. Revived in 2017 under the artistic direction of Umesh Shetty, ISD continues to develop original works rooted in classical Indian traditions while engaging with contemporary movement languages and again received multiple accolades at the 15th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards for Inner Space Dance Conversations. Driven by discipline, philosophy and collaboration, ISD creates performances that are both culturally grounded and globally relevant, while actively expanding access to the arts through education, partnerships and community engagement.

YouTube / Facebook / Instagram links:
TFA Inner Space Dance Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tfainnerspacedancecompany/
TFA Inner Space Dance Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InnerSpaceDance/