From Local Trains to Silver Screens: Sanya Malhotra’s Heartfelt Homecoming at Kala Ghoda’s Silver Jubilee

“My first visit to Kala Ghoda was by local train. I loved the art and culture, and the feeling was so beautiful. I am so happy and elated to be here again. It is a kind of homecoming to unveil my trailer of Mrs.. Kala Ghoda holds a special place in my heart,” said Sanya Malhotra, as she graced the silver jubilee celebrations of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival. The actor, along with co-star Nishant Dahiya and director Aarti Kadav, launched the trailer of their ZEE5 Original Film amidst a rapturous audience who cheered RJ Rohini Ramanathan, whose spirits definitely added to the energy of the evening.

Hon. Minister of Information Technology Cultural Affairs —  Ashish Shelar, KGAF Chairperson Brinda Miller, MCGM Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Ajay Sadany — IG Railway Police,  Atul Patne — Principal Secretary, Maharashtra Tourism, Harsha Bangari — MD, India EXIM Bank, Tarun Sharma — Dy MD, India EXIM Bank,  added to the grandeur lighting the ceremonious lamp, as the iconic black horse symbolically unfurled its wings into its silver chapter.

The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, now celebrating 25 remarkable years, remains a cornerstone of Mumbai’s artistic and cultural landscape. This silver milestone marked not just a celebration of the past but a promise to carry its legacy forward. From the moment the ceremonial lamp was lit, the festival embodied the spirit of creativity, community, and collaboration that has been its hallmark.

Adding to the jubilation, The Spirit of Kala Ghoda, a commemorative book chronicling the festival’s 25-year journey, was launched.

Alongside ‘The Best Stories are Handmade’, a special book that captures 25 inspiring stories of EXIM Bank’s transformative support for grassroots initiatives, celebrating the stories and work of artisans across the nation and ‘Promoting Exports from the MSME Sector’, A study on Micro-Small-Medium-Enterprises sector in India.

Esteemed personalities like Asad Lalljee, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Brinda, Sangita, Vikas Dilawari, Abha Narain shared their reflections on how the festival has not only preserved art but also inspired generations of creators. the Spirit of Kalaghoda stands as a testament to Kala Ghoda’s enduring impact on Mumbai’s cultural fabric.

A spectacular performance of 25 dance styles by 60 artists, showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of Indian art forms followed. Each movement told the story of Kala Ghoda’s evolution from a small cultural gathering to an internationally renowned festival, resonating with its ethos of inclusivity and creativity.

Rooted deeply in Maharashtra’s cultural heritage, the evening also featured captivating performances like Ganesh Stuti, Gondhal, a powerful depiction of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and a stirring tribute to Lord Vitthal. These acts seamlessly connected the state’s rich traditions with the festival’s contemporary expression, creating an atmosphere that was both nostalgic and innovative.

The night concluded with a mesmerizing performance, Dil Mein Ek Leher, featuring Prachee Shah Pandya and Prithvi Gandharv. The graceful blend of Kathak and soulful ghazals captured the very essence of Kala Ghoda—a festival that transcends boundaries, unites communities, and celebrates the power of art in its truest form.

As the black horse of Kala Ghoda gallops into its silver jubilee, it carries with it the dreams of countless artists and the pride of a city that has embraced creativity at its core. This silver milestone is not an end but the beginning of a new chapter, one that promises to shine even brighter in the years to come.