Offbeat 2024 celebrates film choreography in Bengaluru on October 6
Residents of Vishwashanti Niketan Photo credit: Special Arrangements
VT Entertainers Charitable Trust, started in 2018 by Dr. Vasudha Theertharam, is back with its fundraiser, Offbeat 2024, A musical conceived and curated by Vasudha, who is also an Ayurvedic physician.
Offbeat’s tagline is to celebrate less, because we are celebrating the marginalized, says Vasudha, who is the parent of a 34-year-old son with Down’s syndrome. The concert will feature lesser-known and celebrated themes of Bollywood, Vasudha said. “Some of our themes in the past have been songs from lesser-known directors, lesser-known heroes/heroines and songs shot in different locations around the world.”
The 2024 edition is a tribute to choreography, says Vasudha “Dance is an integral part of cinema, yet, many choreographers of the past did not get their due. The 2024 edition will pay tribute to them by featuring songs with memorable dance choreography.
Vasudha says they have tried to include songs with a variety of dance forms, from classical and disco to contemporary styles. This year’s edition will feature artists including Samanvita Sharma, Shruti Vide, Govind Kurnool, Narasimhan Kanan, Arundhati Vasishta, Chinmayi Rao, Kash and Kalwinder Singh. They will be accompanied by Pradeep Patkar and his team along with an orchestra with dance and audio-visual effects.
Vasudha said the artistes were selected based on their skills. “We have a mix of well-known names and promising talent.” Proceeds from the show will go to Arasinkunte Vishwashanti Niketan. “It is a residential home for the disabled. It is a home away from home for children with special needs and underprivileged citizens This is especially a comfort to parents of able-bodied people who worry about who will take care of their loved ones after they pass away. “
Dr. Vasudha Theertharam Photo credit: Special Arrangements
Vishwashanthi Niketan, founded by the Karnataka Parents Association (KPA) in 2012, is one of the beneficiaries of the VT Entertainers’ Charitable Trust, which has supported various organizations by raising funds through musical performances. “The trust also receives donations from philanthropists,” says 61-year-old Vasudha, who has been associated with Vishwashanti Niketan for the past nine years.
Vasudha aims to sensitize people to the needs of the differently abled. Vasudha, stopped practicing after Covid to take care of her son. “I always wanted to do something for the disabled. As it was impossible for me to be with them physically, I decided to raise funds and help them.”
On the challenges of parenting the differently-abled, Vasudha says: “They need constant attention. When they’re sick, it’s heartbreaking because they can’t express what they’re feeling. Being a doctor helps me diagnose my son even though it is difficult at times. It is like taking care of a small child all the time.”
Offbeat 2024 will be held at Chaudiyah Memorial Hall, October 6, at 6 pm. Call 9886019151/9845049796 for Donor Pass and tickets are available on BookMyShow.
has been published – October 02, 2024 10:50 am IST