Our Artists:
Runaa Rizvii
The Runaa Rizvii Project
Runaa Rizvii, from the Kalavant Gharana, is a celebrated Sufi, ghazal, and Bollywood singer blending tradition with contemporary artistry. Daughter of maestros Ustad Rajkumar Rizvi and Smt. Indrani Chatterjee, and wife of percussionist Sivamani, she brings immense depth and versatility to her music. At KKALA, Runaa mentors students in vocal improvisation, expression, and the art of blending genres.
Winner of Idea Big Rising Star Award
Recognized as a young maestro by the Indian Music Academy
Collaborated with A.R. Rahman, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and others
Suman Sridhar
The Black Mamba Project
Suman Sridhar is a Mumbai-born, New Jersey–raised singer, songwriter, and actor known for her eclectic blend of jazz, blues, Indian classical, and performance art. A Rutgers University alumna, she brings global experience and experimental artistry to the Indian stage. At KKALA, she leads workshops on fusion, performance expression, and creative improvisation.
Winner of Sesc_Videobrasil Residency Award (USA)
Jury Prize at Hamburg International Queer Film Festival
Known for songs like Muskaanein Jhooti Hai and Fifi
Bhagyashree Panchale & Ramakant Gaikwad
The Baithak Project
Ghazal artist Bhagyashree Panchale and Hindustani classical vocalist Ramakant Gaikwad come together for The Baithak Project, a collaboration blending lyrical ghazal and classical music traditions. Through workshops and live sessions at KKALA, they immerse students in the art of lyrical depth, improvisation, and traditional performance aesthetics.
Bhagyashree – Natashreshtha Nilu Phule Yuva Kalabhushan Puraskar recipient
Ramakant – “A” graded artist of All India Radio
Collaborative performances across India and internationally
Rafael Kalil
Kalari Collaboration
Rafael Kalil is a Brazilian cellist and multi-disciplinary artist who co-founded Kalari University, a platform dedicated to Kalaripayattu and cross-cultural art practices. Having worked across Cairo, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Hong Kong, he blends movement, music, and theatre. At KKALA, Rafael conducts collaborative workshops integrating Kalaripayattu, rhythm, and performance, inspiring students to explore expression through the body and sound.
Co-founder and Head Teacher at Kalari University
Led international residencies and performances worldwide
Collaborated on global immersive theatre projects
