Karachi will mark International Dance Day with a powerful celebration of classical and contemporary movement as acclaimed choreographer and kathakar Mohsin Babar brings his much-celebrated production Aqsaam-e-Naach: Andaaz-e-Kathak to the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) on April 29 at 8:00 pm.
Aqsaam-e-Naach: Andaaz-e-Kathak is a dance presentation that weaves together the precision and storytelling of classical Kathak with contemporary and fusion elements. Through a series of evocative pieces performed by his troupe, the production highlights the expressive range, rhythm, and discipline of Kathak while making it accessible to wider audiences.
At its heart, the performance seeks to reclaim and reframe the ghungroo—the ankle bells worn by classical dancers—challenging long-held societal stigmas and presenting them instead as an instrument of artistic expression, much like the tabla for a percussionist. By placing the ghungroo at the centre of the performance’s sonic and visual vocabulary, Babar invites audiences to see dance not as spectacle, but as a deeply rooted and sophisticated art form.
Mohsin Babar is widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s most highly trained kathakars. With over 27 years of experience, his artistic journey bridges tradition and innovation.
He began his training under the late maestro Hamid Hussain Shaad Jaipuri, a pioneering figure in Kathak in Pakistan, and further honed his craft under Shado Maharaj. He later received advanced training at the National School of Drama in India under the internationally renowned kathakar Rajendra Gangani, and expanded his repertoire by studying contemporary dance in Germany under Nicole Silo.
His performances have taken him across the globe, representing Pakistan’s rich dance heritage on international stages.
Central to Babar’s work is his Kathak School of Performing Arts, which operates on a strong principle of inclusion. The school provides full scholarships to students from marginalized backgrounds, training them through the traditional lineage-based system of classical dance.
Equally important is the company’s commitment to expanding access to audiences beyond elite urban centres. Through performances in smaller towns and rural communities, Babar and his troupe aim to bring the beauty and depth of classical and fusion dance to those who rarely have the opportunity to experience it.
This philosophy of inclusion—of both dancers and audiences—remains a defining pillar of his artistic vision.
Event Details
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Performance: Aqsaam-e-Naach: Andaaz-e-Kathak
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Artist: Mohsin Babar and troupe
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Date: April 29, 2026
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Time: 8:00 pm
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Venue: National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA), Karachi
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Occasion: International Dance Day
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