MUMBAI: Iyer Foundation, a voluntary non-profit organization committed to promoting Indian classical music and dance, proudly announces the 12th edition of Saadhna – All Women Classical Music Festival, presented by Union Bank of India. The festival will be held on Saturday, 4th October 2025, from 7:00 PM onwards at the Swatantyaveer Sawarkar Auditorium, Dadar.
Since its inception in 2013, Saadhna has been a unique celebration dedicated exclusively to women musicians of India. The title “Saadhna” signifies regimen, discipline, and surrender to art – virtues that define both classical musicianship and womanhood. Through this platform, the Foundation honors the innate ability of women artists to merge selflessly with their art and contribute to the enrichment of society.
This year’s festival will feature stellar performances by two accomplished Vidushis:
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Vidushi Pratima Tilak – Classical Vocal
A foremost vocalist of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana, Pratima Tilak is known for her powerful yet refined rendition of the gayaki tradition of the legendary Gaan Tapaswini Mogubai Kurdikar. A disciple of Vidushi Kamal Tambe and Vidushi Kaushalya Manjeshwar, she carries forward the gharana’s distinct style, balancing Sur ang and Laya ang with finesse. Her khayal presentations revive the beauty of Bolang and Gamak taankriya, all while preserving the purity of raag.
She will be accompanied by:
Yati Bhagwat on Tabla, Siddesh Bicholkar on Harmonium
Nrityalankar Dr. Rupali Desai – Kathak Dance
A renowned Kathak exponent, performer, and choreographer, Dr. Rupali Desai is a senior disciple of Kathak Guru Dr. Manjiri Deo and tabla maestro Pt. Mukundraj Deo. A graded Doordarshan artist and recipient of the Shringarmani Puraskar, she has performed extensively across India and abroad. With over 23 years of teaching experience, she leads her institute, “Sanskruti Nritya Kala Mandir,” nurturing more than 250 students.
She will be accompanied by:
Pt. Mukundraj Deo on Tabla, Vijay Tambe on Flute, Shrirang Tembe on Vocal & Harmonium.
The evening will be compered by Puja Deshpande, with Guru Pt. Arun Dravid as Chief Guest and Vidhushi Shila Mehta as Guest of Honour.
About the Iyer Foundation
Established in 2003, Iyer Foundation is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and propagation of Indian classical music and dance. With an 80G certificate from the Income Tax Department, the Foundation actively supports both emerging talent and senior musicians by offering platforms, organizing concerts, conducting lecture-demonstrations, and extending financial and medical aid to ailing artistes.
Over the years, the Foundation has presented eminent women musicians, including Arati Ankalikar, Shruti Sadolikar, Dr. Jyoti Iyer, Padma Tawalkar, Devaki Pandit, Kalapini Komkali, Sangeeta Shankar, Shahana Banerjee, and the Flute Sisters – Debopriya and Suchismita Chatterjee, among many others.
Entry & Contact
Donation Passes: Rs 200 (available at the venue one hour before the concert)
Seating: Free seating; limited reserved seats
