Rehearsals May 3rd

Men come and go but friends will always remain!

Arti: an important phone call

We're just dancing the night away

This is how you do it, baby...!

Reetta (Virpi) trying to explain Finnish customs to Pappu (Siva).

Siva & Sudhi: "You have questions about the script? I do too!"

Ilona and Sudhi showing off their moves!

"Umm... What?!"

Breaking down in tears...

Heartbroken!

"When do we get to dance?"

Sudhi concentrating on the script

"Happy Holi, man!"

Best friends forever!

Rehearsals May 3rd

Having a laugh

Rocking out!

"Bhangra, Bistar, Beer, Bater!"

 

 

Looking good

  

 

Virpi Still: "I'm about to take flight!"

Sari & the girls: Attitude!

Ilona Kolachana: Lost in the dance...

Polishing off their dance moves

Is she a girl or a swan?

Official poster pictures

We got a wonderful opportunity to work with a very talented young photographer named Nita Vera. She has taken all of our poster pictures.

Sudhindra BS and Ilona Kolachana - our wonderful leading couple!

Very close together

Hadippa!

This shot is so good that Caisa used it on their promotional poster!

"I believe I can fly!"

Lotus flowers and a beautiful smile

Manmeet Singh smiling enigmatically

Interview with Virpi Still - The beautiful best friend

- You are one of the Bolly Beat Dancers. How did you become part of it?

- My sister saw an ad about Bollywood dance lessons at a store and asked me to try it with her. Sari Breilin was giving her first dance lessons at the Sahram dance school and that's where we went. Back then, it was a brand new dance style in Finland, and lessons were given in very few schools. I fell in love with Indian music, the rythms and the melodies, right on the first lesson. I first performed at the dance school's summer and Christmas shows, and little by little, I got to perform elsewhere too. Today, I also give Bollywood dance lessons for children at the BBDS.

- What does dancing and especially Bollywood dancing mean to you?

- Being energetic and playful is an essential part of Bollywood dancing. That is what makes it so interesting. To me, dancing is relaxing, challenging myself and giving all I have. When I dance, I feel the presence and the energy of the audience and I know I can affect them in a positive way. It is beyond awesome to see the people's eyes shinig when they watch our performances. Often, you can actually feel the interaction with the audience.

- How did you come to be part of "Ek Kahani"?

- I volunteered for the role of Reetta because I was free and wanted to. I've been good friends with Ilona since she joined the BBD, and it felt very natural to play the role of her best friend.

- Have you ever acted before?

- At school, my teacher was an actor, and he made us act, for example during our religion lessons. When I worked at a primary school, I was involved in some smaller plays. My experience is mostly based on having fun together.

- Do you have a favorite scene in "Ek Kahani"?

- My favorite scene is when Pappu tries to console Amit, telling him what he will get when he marries an Indian girl. It is a very good example of cultural differences that may be hard to understand, but are a reality some have to face in their eveyday life. This raises questions about one's own life and its effect on others.

- What has this project given you?

- I like performing and this project has taught me and given me so much. I've become more courageous during the practice. Acting is completely different than dancing, so I have had a lot learn. It has been very interesting. I have also learned to know myself better.

- What do you think "Ek Kahani" has given to others involved?

It has been extremely impressive to follow the people involved in this project, to see them give everything and admire their talent. There is so much knowledge and skill that it always takes my breath away! It is also great to feel the team's support and acceptance of what I'm doing. After the first dress rehearsals, many said that they where happy and proud to be part of this project. I think it was the best possible feedback for everyone! During the whole project I have understood that what one is, does and says to others is meaningful. I believe that each one of us has learned things during this. Sometimes it is good to do things which once in a while feel too big, too difficult, too tiring; afterwards you can say that you can do anything! I am glad to be part of "Ek Kahani"!

Text by: Laura Kunnas

Ek Kahani memories

Behind the scenes of Ek Kahani - Love Story. Compilation from various dance practices for the play! Background music is not related to any of the dances.

Watch the video on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOHMYamAfcc

Our sponsors and partners

We proudly present our official Ek Kahani sponsors and partners:

Sisustusmaalaus Värinä Oy

Sisustusmaalaus Värinä Oy is a painting company relying on traditional skills and modern service. Our services include high quality home and office space paintings, furniture paintings, decorative wall paintings, wallpaperings, colour design and interior design consulting. Assessment of the painting job is free of charge.
Contact information:

Hanna Tikander 050 468 5061

Virpi Still 050 597 3979 

Vilhonvuorenkatu 8 a 11

00500 Hki

Indian Market, Hakaniemi

Here you can find Indian spices, groceries, cosmetics and even Bollywood films.
Address:
Hakaniemen torikatu 2
Tel: 09-7268 1166
Open:
Mon-Fri 10-19
Sat 10-17

Park Pub, Puistola
The living room of Puistola. A pub with A-rights, free wlan, several games, karaoke, live music and dancing.
Address:
Puistolantori 1, Helsinki
www.parkpub.fi
Opening hours:
Sun - Thu: 9 - 24(02)
Fri  - Sat: 9 - 02

Intia-Keskus
For 30 years, the India Center has provided travellers with low-cost flights to all over the world!
Address:
Yrjönkatu 8-10
00120 Helsinki

www.intiakeskus.fi

Suomi-Intia Seura
The Finnish-Indian-Society is a friendship association that acts as a community of people interested in India and Indian culture. We promote social interaction between Finns and Indians living in Finland. Our aim is to promote the knowledge of Indian culture in Finland, and to strengthen cultural exchange and development co-operation between our countries.
http://www.suomiintiaseura.fi/

Kulttuuriyhdistys Intia - The Cultural Society of India

Noodle Bar, Kaisaniemi
Fast food noodle bar in Kaisaniemi.
Address:
Vuorikatu 14
00100 Helsinki
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri: 11-21
Sat-Sun: 12-21

Restaurant Ministeri, Hyvinkää,
Vir Sule 0403771047 / Heidi Vanhatalo 0407731564 (opening together Catering Hullu Masala)


Kauppakeskus Kamppi
www.kamppi.fi


Nita Vera
www.nitavera.fi


Alejandro Lorenzo
http://www.alorenzo.net/


Ilkka Roitto photography


Reetta Flink's Bollywood blog:
www.bollywoodista.blogspot.com


www.bollybeat.fi

4 mornings until the Premiere!

Hello everyone! 
Only 4 more mornings until the Premiere of "Ek Kahani"! Isn't that amazing? 

We cannot take any more reservations - but don't worry, if you want to see the play and you haven't made a reservation, it's still possible to get tickets starting one hour before the show at the venue in Caisa (Mikonkatu 17 C / Vuorikatu 14, Helsinki).

If you are one lucky one with a reservation, please remember that the reserved tickets have to be collected from Caisa’s Info Desk by name on Fri May 4th between 9am and 6pm or Sat May 5th between 11am and 18pm.

Don't forget to come to see the show (it's on Sat May 5th at 7 pm)! :)