BOOK LAUNCH
• The Forgotten Indian Prisoners of World War II
Former Ambassador K. Kesavapany will launch Gautam Hazarika’s The Forgotten Indian Prisoners of World War II in Singapore, followed by speeches and discussions. The book uncovers the overlooked experiences of Indian soldiers captured by the Japanese during the war, and sheds light on their suffering and the complex choices they faced, including joining the Indian National Army (INA).
When: Dec 11, Thu, 6pm Where: The Gallery at Arts House Tickets: Free, but you have to reserve a spot at eventbrite.sg/e/book-launch-the-forgotten-indian-prisoners-of-world-war-ii-tickets
DANCE
• Shikhandi – The Warrior Within
Shikhandi, a prominent character in the Indian epic Mahabharata, embodies nonconformity, resilience and determination. Born a princess and raised as a warrior, her transformation from female to male reflects the complexities of gender, destiny and selfhood. This powerful Kalaa Utsavam kathak presentation, an Esplanade-SIFAS Productions co-production, reimagines the enigmatic icon as both a legend and a living metaphor.
When: Nov 28, Fri, 8pm; Nov 29, Sat, 8pm; Nov 30, Sun, 3pm Where: Esplanade Theatre Studio Tickets: From S$31.50 at esplanade.com/whats-on/festivals-and-series/festivals/2025/kalaa-utsavam/events/shikhandi-the-warrior-within
MUSIC
• Filmy Vibes: Re-inKarnation’s Pan-Indian Musical Party
After sold-out shows in Singapore and Chennai, and their recent collaboration with the legendary Rajhesh Vaidhya, Re-inKarnation returns to Kalaa Utsavam 2025 with a high-energy Indian musical mashup across eras and in various languages, including Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada, and Telugu.
When: Nov 28, Fri, 7pm to 10.30pm Where: DBS Foundation Esplanade Outdoor Theatre Tickets: Free, but you have to register at eventbrite.sg/e/filmy-vibes-re-inkarnations
• RNF - Rabbit and Friendz LIVE in Singapore
After five years, Rabbit Mac is back, reuniting with some of the biggest rap and hip hop names in the region. The Kalaa Utsavam show will see him live on stage with superstar acts ADK (India), Havoc Brothers (Malaysia), Sasi the Don (Malaysia), Santesh (Malaysia), Psychomantra (Malaysia), Siddarth (Malaysia) and DJ Sathiya (Singapore). Expect explosive powerhouse performances and two hours of pure non-stop energy.
When: Nov 28, Fri, 7.30pm Where: Esplanade Annexe Studio Tickets: From S$45.65 at esplanade.com/whats-on/festivals-and-series/festivals/2025/kalaa-utsavam/events/rnf-rabbit-and-friendz-live-in-singapore
• Cosmic Dissolution
Rudra, the legendary Vedic metal band, teams up with Resound Collective’s 56-piece symphony orchestra for a performance at Kalaa Utsavam. The relentless energy and intensity of metal meet the grand sonic precision of orchestral power as iconic compositions are reimagined through sweeping strings, thunderous brass, and cinematic orchestration.
When: Nov 29, Sat, 7.30pm Where: Esplanade Concert Hall Tickets: From S$45.65 at esplanade.com/whats-on/festivals-and-series/festivals/2025/kalaa-utsavam/events/cosmic-dissolution
POETRY
• Shayari ka Adda
Innovogue Concepts brings an evening of Urdu poetry featuring six noted poets - Madan Mohan, Azhar Iqbal, Mehshar Afridi, Charagh Sharma, Tehzeeb Hafi and Rajesh Reddy.
When: Dec 7, Sun, 6.30pm to 9.30pm Where: Singapore Swimming Club Tickets: From S$98.74; eventbrite.com
THEATRE
• Papa Yaar
Zakir Khan’s brand-new show Papa Yaar is all about laughter, love, and nostalgia. Through anecdotes packed with wit, emotion, and his signature poetic flair, the stand-up comedian brings to life the most relatable yet unspoken aspects of every Indian son’s relationship with his father.
When: Nov 30, Sun, 3pm & 7pm Where: Esplanade Concert Hall Tickets: From S$50 at esplanade.com/whats-on/festivals-and-series/festivals/2025/kalaa-utsavam/events/papa-yaar
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17 Nov 2025 20:50
