Ahmedabad’s cultural calendar is brimming with performances, exhibitions, and workshops this week. Share with your friends to sort the weekend scene.
Poetry: Priya Malik
Internet sensation and poet Priya Malik will perform in Ahmedabad a poetic experience, ‘Ishq Hai’, this weekend.
With her signature style of storytelling and spoken word, Priya brings to life the tenderness of first love, the ache of separation, the resilience of self-love, and the eternal quest for connection. With a blend of Hindi and Urdu poetry, personal anecdotes, and compelling performance, Ishq Hai promises to be a beautifully immersive experience that will leave you moved, introspective, and inspired.
When: July 18 (9.30 pm)
Where: H K Hall, Ashram Road
Film showcase: At Home Walking, Pavlechi Keli Tirth
This film, depicting the nomads and pilgrims of the highlands in Deccan, India, unfolds to the music of bards and a poetic monologue. With rhythmic shots and the repeated insertion of footage of walking feet, the viewer comes to realise that walking is a form of meditation. The monologue quotes the words of many Indian poets who search for freedom and for the essence of what it means to be alive, depicting a rich world transcending time. This experimental film and its journey of the heart end as an awakening from meditation.
When: July 18 (4.30 pm onwards)
Where: L D Museum, opposite L D Engineering hostel, Navrangpura
Free French Cineclub – The Animal Kingdom
In this movie, a world gripped by a wave of mutations that are slowly transforming some humans into animals, François does everything he can to save his wife, who has been struck down by this mysterious illness. As the region fills with new creatures, he takes their 16-year-old son Émile on a quest that will change their lives forever.
Directed by: Thomas Cailley
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Starring: Romain Duris, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Paul Kircher, Tom Mercier
Run Time: 2h 08mn
When: July 19 (6 to 8 pm)
Where: Alliance Française d’Ahmedabad, Shyamal crossroads
Solo theatre: Cast Off All Shame
Cast Off All Shame begins with the spirit of a Bhakti poet, Janabai, coming alive and taking over a radio show as an RJ. She then talks to various women callers who reach out to her with their everyday issues of gender and patriarchy. Thus, the solo theatre piece consists of a series of vignettes – some hilarious, some gut-wrenching about Indian women from a variety of classes and settings.
Their situations are illuminated by women Bhakti poets – Janabai, Lal Ded, Akka Mahadevi, Avvaiyar, Soyarabai – whose poems appear as ‘characters’ in this show.
When: July 19 (4.30 pm onwards)
Where: L D Museum, opposite L D Engineering hostel, Navrangpura
Comedy: Madhur Virli
Comedian Madhur Virli is in Ahmedabad with his trial solo ‘Master Peace – A Stand-Up Comedy’
When: July 20 (8 pm)
Where: Mehdi Nawaz Jung Hall, Paldi
Exhibition: Kalante-2
Artist and curator Beenu Rao presents Kalante 2, an inspiring art exhibition that brings together a diverse and inspiring collection of artists from Mehsana and Ahmedabad. The exhibition is open to the public from July 15 to July 20, 2025, at the iconic Amdavad ni Gufa. Following the success of the first Kalante exhibition, Rao continues her mission of showcasing local talent, including differently-abled artistes, whose creativity and vision have found expression in Kalante. Visitors can expect to engage with a vibrant mix of emerging and established artists, each with a unique perspective and voice.
A special highlight of the exhibition will be a live demonstration on July 17th by the noted contemporary artist Mrinal Dutt. Known for his art rooted in Indian mythology, spirituality and personal symbolism, Dutt’s work reflects a deep connection with tradition and contemporary emotional expression. His session promises to offer inspiration and insight into his unique creative process.
“Art is a universal language – Kalante 2 is about making sure everyone’s voice is heard,” says Beenu Rao.
When: Until July 20 (4 pm onwards)
Where: The Art Gallery, Amdavad ni Gufa, near CEPT University
Exhibition: The Lotus & The Beloved
The Lotus & The Beloved is an exhibition of the timeless beauty of Pichwai, which is a visual treat in honour of Lord Shrinathji.
When: Until August 14 (11 am to 7 pm)
Where: Archer Art Gallery, 1st floor, Phoenix, near Vijay crossroads
Anchoring workshop
This is an engaging workshop led by seasoned host Akash, designed to help you launch or elevate your anchoring career. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this session will equip you with essential techniques and insights to perform confidently on stage and understand the event industry from the inside out.
What you’ll learn:
- Anchoring basics: A step-by-step guide for beginners to get started
- Getting your first gigs: Practical strategies to secure anchoring opportunities
- Event industry insights: Understand how the industry functions behind the scenes
- Anchor’s responsibilities: Learn how to handle different types of events professionally
- Building confidence & voice training: Techniques to improve stage presence and vocal impact
- Enhancing your social media presence: Tips to build your brand as an anchor
- Interactive Q&A session: Get direct answers and advice from the trainer
When: July 19 (4 to 8 pm)
Where: Kalasmruti, GSTV campus, behind the Iskcon temple, Bodakdev
Kalaripayattu Workshop
Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest and most dynamic martial arts forms. This is an immersive seven-day morning workshop at Prayogshala. Tailored for actors, dancers, and movement enthusiasts, the workshop offers a powerful integration of combat techniques, graceful body control, and meditative focus.
What to expect:
- Introduction to foundational stances, movements, and sequences of Kalaripayattu
- Development of body awareness, flexibility, balance, and strength
- Breath control techniques to enhance focus and mental clarity
- Exploration of the deep connection between martial arts and performance arts
- A unique opportunity to cultivate presence, energy, and fluidity in movement practice
When: July 20 (7.30 to 9.30 pm)
Where: Prayogshala, 17, Suhasnagar Society, Ashram Rd