Mudra Creations: A cultural bridge between India and Viet Nam

Cultural envoys from Maharashtra

Founded in 2005 by artist Sugandha Dhulap, Mudra Creations is a renowned folk-dance troupe from Maharashtra in western India. The ensemble specialises in traditional Indian dance forms such as Lavani, Gondhal, Koli, and Dindi, while also embracing modern elements such as Bollywood to engage a broad and diverse audience.

For their debut in Viet Nam, the troupe brought a richly diverse programme, including: Naman - a prayerful dance for success, peace and positivity; Lavani - a lyrical, witty and highly feminine performance; and Yakshagana - a theatrical retelling of mythological stories. These were more than just performances, they were dialogues on spirituality, belief, community, and history.

"Each colour in the traditional sari we wear carries its own meaning, representing goddesses in Indian beliefs. This is how we tell stories through movement," said Jay Dhulapp, the troupe’s communications representative, in an interview following their performance in Ha Noi.

Viet Nam and India: United by Folk Dance

Deeply moved by the warm reception, Jay also expressed surprise at the similarities between Vietnamese and Indian folk arts. "I find Vietnamese culture and its folk dances to be vibrant and beautiful," he remarked.

Jay Dhulapp, the troupe’s communications representative

He noted that both countries share long-standing traditions of folk dance, deeply rooted in community life and spirituality.

Mudra Creations believes in the power of education and cultural exchange beyond the stage. “I’ve observed many student exchange programmes, artist collaborations, and cultural initiatives organised by both governments in recent years,” Jay said. He believes these are a solid foundation not just for parallel development, but for mutual enrichment of the arts in both nations.

He also acknowledged the growing popularity of Bollywood in Viet Nam as a positive sign of soft integration. Conversely, Indian artists are increasingly eager to learn about Viet Nam’s traditional arts.

Traditional art in the age of globalisation

When asked how traditional values can be preserved in an increasingly globalised world, Jay affirmed: “India is a land of colours, a land of festivals. That vibrancy makes our art emotionally resonant for global audiences. What matters most is keeping the core spirit of the culture intact, even as we bring it into contemporary performance spaces.”

Mudra Creations’ fusion of folk elements with modern staging, its use of Bollywood music, and its highly symbolic costume design are testament to the delicate balance between tradition and integration.

Expressing optimism about future cultural collaboration between the two countries, Jay shared: “We sincerely hope to return to Viet Nam and perform in more cities. We also hope Vietnamese artists will visit India to learn, share, and perform together.”

This is more than the wish of one artist; it reflects the shared aspiration of cultural practitioners who are turning art into a bridge connecting past and present, people and people.

Mudra Creations’ fusion of folk elements with modern staging, its use of Bollywood music, and its highly symbolic costume design are testament to the delicate balance between tradition and integration.

Mudra Creations’ tour in Viet Nam delivered not only a spectacle of colours and rhythms but also left audiences with deeper reflections: on the beauty of diversity, the power of connection beyond words, and how every nation tells its story through movement, dance, and ancient melodies.

In a digital age where everything can be swiftly scrolled past, such cultural exchanges offer a rare chance to pause, listen, feel, and see ourselves reflected in the eyes of another culture.