Page 28 - The Indian EYE 032026

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MARCH 20, 2026 | The Indian Eye 28

Navrang Dance Academy led by Varsha

Naik creates history with ‘Shivleela’

OUR BUREAU enthusiasm to support more produc-
tions that showcase Lord Shiva and
Edison, NJ Indian cultural heritage.
A ported by Surinder Kumar and Anu
historic milestone in Indian
The event was also proudly sup-
cultural theater was created
as Shivleela, a grand Broad-
A special highlight of the evening
way-style dance drama by USA- Kumari from Suhag Jewelers.
based renowned director and chore- was the powerful portrayal of Ma-
ographer Varsha Naik, captivated a hadev by renowned Mumbai-based
packed audience at J P Stevens High dancer and choreographer Sandip
School Edison NJ. Soparrkar, who brought depth, de-
Presented by Navrang Dance votion, and commanding stage pres-
Academy, the production brought ence to the role. The dance drama
together 70 artists and volunteers, was brilliantly supported by the dedi-
totaling 108 dedicated contributors, cated students and artists of Navrang
and was witnessed by 709+ audience Dance Academy.
members, along with special guests The event was supported by
from across the tristate area. Pandya Foundation, S N Tours and
Under the visionary direction of Travels, A2Z entertainment, Culti-
Varsha Naik, Shivleela showcased the vate Talents Unlimited LLC – Bha-
powerful storytelling of Lord Shiva jan Clubbing, UPFNA, Guru Ji Ka Gold, Parikh Media and K&G LED mark for Indian theatrical pre-
through dance, drama, and theatri- Mandir @kilmar, Sohanika arts, Lights Signs were media partners sentations in the United States.
cal excellence — beautifully blending Mukesh Modi, World Peace Har- for the event. With overwhelming success and
Indian tradition with Broadway-scale mony, BCB Bank, Valam Foods, For the past 13 years, Navrang strong community support, the team
presentation. Samosa Factory, Mejwani, Sai Ca- Dance Academy has been promot- now looks forward to bringing Shiv-
Light and sound were key factors terers, Patel Brothers, Simran Aa- ing Indian culture through story- leela to more cities across the USA,
of the Broadway-style Shivleela and huja, Sewa International, Menlo telling and dance. Shivleela marks continuing the mission of celebrating
were beautifully managed by Shri- park Leo Club, AIM finances. Radia the academy’s first grand home Indian heritage through powerful
kant Gavas, whose technical preci- zindagi, TV Asia, EBC radio, ITV production, setting a new bench- stage storytelling.
sion and artistic execution elevated
the entire production into a grand
theatrical experience.
The Honorable Mayor of Edi-
son Township, Sam Joshi, praised the
production, stating:
“Varsha Naik is keeping Indian
culture alive in the USA by creating
meaningful dramas in the form of
storytelling and helping the commu-
nity stay connected to their roots.”
Key supporters of the event in-
cluded Raj Pandya from the Pandya
Foundation and Vaidehi Dongre
Pandya, who described Shivleela as
a phenomenal drama and expressed

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