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
The Baithak Project
Popularly known as Ghazalkanya, Bhagyashree Panchale is a renowned ghazal artist carrying forward the musical legacy of her father, Pandit Bhimrao Panchale. She combines classical purity with deep emotional resonance, bringing fresh energy to the modern ghazal stage. At KKALA, she mentors students in ghazal rendition, lyrical expression, and stagecraft, ensuring this poetic tradition continues to inspire new generations.
Recipient of Natashreshtha Nilu Phule Yuva Kalabhushan Puraskar
Winner of All India Classical Music Competition (Gaanwardhan, Pune – 2017)
International performer at Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Ghazal Sammelan and Paris
Ramakant Gaikwad
The Baithak Project
Ramakant Gaikwad is a renowned Hindustani classical vocalist known for his mastery of the Kirana and Patiala gharana styles. With a musical journey that began at the age of four under the tutelage of his father, Pt. Suryakant Gaikwad, Ramakant has developed a style that fuses traditional depth with dynamic performance energy. A featured artist at major festivals across India and abroad, he is an influential voice in the classical music space and a mentor to the next generation of vocalists.
“A” graded artist of All India Radio
Featured performer at global classical music festivals
Trained in Kirana and Patiala gharanas under leading maestros
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 into a unique performance language. At KKALA, Rafael leads collaborative workshops that integrate Kalaripayattu, rhythm, and performance, encouraging students to explore expression through body, breath, and sound.
Co-founder & Head Teacher at Kalari University
Led international residencies and performances across multiple continents
Collaborated on global immersive theatre and movement-based projects
Ajeet Singh Palawat
Actor & Theatre Practitioner
Ajeet Singh Palawat is a dynamic actor and theatre practitioner, trained at the National School of Drama (NSD). As a co-founder of Ujaagar Dramatic Association, he has contributed significantly to the contemporary Indian theatre landscape. His body of work spans acclaimed theatre productions, Bollywood films, and notable OTT platforms. With strong foundations in classical theatre and a flair for character-driven roles, Ajeet brings layered performances to both stage and screen.
Graduated from NSD with a specialization in Acting
Performed in over 35 theatre productions across India
Directed “Kasumal-Sapno”, a Rajasthani adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Ipshita Chakraborty Singh
Actress & Theatre Practitioner
Ipshita Chakraborty Singh is an accomplished actress and theatre practitioner, trained at the National School of Drama (NSD). With a strong background in repertory theatre and a love for character-driven storytelling, she has built a versatile career spanning stage and screen. Her performances reflect a deep understanding of movement, text, and emotion—making her a powerful voice in contemporary Indian theatre and film.
Graduated from NSD with a specialization in Acting
Performed in over 30 theatre productions, including Viraasat, Mai Hun Yusuf Aur Yeh Hai Mera Bhai, and Mathemagician
Featured in Bollywood films such as Chhapaak and the upcoming Dvand: The Internal Conflict