Muscat: ‘Roopantar’, a ground-breaking production, was conceptualised and brought to life by Aishwarya Hegde, the artistic director of Deepam Odissi Academy in Muscat.

Presented by GRB and held at the Oman Hall in the College of Banking and Financial Studies (CBFS), the event drew a full house of art aficionados, families, academicians from educational institutions and community leaders who gathered to witness a spellbinding exploration of change and continuity through the classical Indian dance form- Odissi.

Roopantar, which means transformation, was not just a performance; it was a journey. A journey through stories, through emotions, and through time-honored traditions revived with modern relevance. From the moment guests arrived, the venue pulsed with energy-photo booths capturing memories, QR codes connecting audiences with Deepam’s story and merchandise, and an ambience brimming with anticipation.

The event began with a warm welcome from the Deepam team and host Kavya Ramachandran, who set the tone for an unforgettable evening. “This is a celebration of change,” she shared, “of shedding the old, embracing the new, and flowing through every stage of growth with grace and purpose.”

A powerful dimension of the evening was its role as a coming together of the art-loving community in Oman, drawn from different nationalities, backgrounds, and walks of life.

Roopantar became a cultural bridge- where tradition met innovation, and the old world danced hand-in-hand with the new.
The highlight of the evening was the presence of esteemed Chief Guest, Ms. Suaad Al Harthi- a trailblazing conservationist, National Geographic Explorer, and Executive Director of the Environment Society of Oman. Her journey of environmental transformation and advocacy aligned seamlessly with the evening’s central theme. As she lit the ceremonial lamp, she embodied the spirit of Roopantar- a fusion of tradition, purpose, and forward momentum.

The performances were emotive, poetic and every piece left the audience spellbound. Performances by the youngest dancers of Deepam evoked awe with their grace and lyricism, while the senior performers transported the audience through rhythm and technical mastery, reminding us that true excellence is the outcome of disciplined practice.

The second half of the evening marked a pioneering step in blending classical performance with digital artistry. With intricate backdrops inspired by Pichwai, Pattachitra, and Kerala mural paintings, each meticulously and impeccably put together by filmmaker and animator
Tamogna Dey, the performances took on a new depth. This visual storytelling not only honored Indian heritage art but also showcased the Academy’s commitment to embracing technology without losing its essence.

The program was deeply rooted in the Guru-Shishya Parampara, a traditional Indian teaching model where the bond between teacher and student is sacred. This philosophy is reflected in the very structure of Deepam, a school founded by Naatyasri Guru Deepak Roy in 1994,
now helmed by his disciple Guru Aishwarya Hegde in Muscat. Their joint leadership represents not just a passing of the torch, but a continuity of spirit, discipline, and devotion.

In a heartfelt moment, the return of Guru Deepak Roy- former Head of the Department of Arts at Indian School Muscat and founder of Deepam, drew an emotional response from the audience. A pioneer who helped shape Oman’s artistic landscape, he returned to witness the fruits of his early efforts, embraced by a community that continues to flourish from the seeds he planted.

Another unique hallmark of Roopantar was the all-women’s team that brought the production to life, from the production head and backstage manager to the tech crew and coordination leads. Behind the curtain stood a force of women who powered every element of the show with creativity, precision, and quiet leadership.

The stage came alive with 25 dancers across varied age groups, their movements weaving individual stories into one shared tapestry. Their diversity in age and experience mirrored the show’s message: transformation belongs to all of us, at every stage of life.

“This event was entirely built in-house,” said Aishwarya Hegde. “From lighting and costumes to set design and production—every detail is a product of collective effort. At Deepam, dance is not just movement; it is collaboration. It’s where performance becomes possibility.”

As the final performance concluded and the curtain fell to thunderous applause, Roopantar stood as a powerful reminder that while art is rooted in tradition, it lives in transformation.

Through the dedication of 25 dancers, the volunteers, and visionary leadership, Deepam Odissi Academy proved once again that classical art forms not only endure, they inspire, and ignite.