The Uncaged Bulbul: Aakash Odedra on the Freedom of Dance

Tales of songbirds, or Bulbuls, have inspired South Asian storytellers for centuries. British dancer and choreographer Aakash Odedra's latest work 'Songs of the Bulbul' intertwines Kathak dance, Indian classical music and Sufi storytelling to harmoniously trace a songbird's journey through love, enlightement and freedom. As the performance tours Australia, Aakash opens up to Suhayla Sharif about boundless stages, the duty of dancers and the next steps for Indian classical dance. Listen now, only on SBS Spice.

British dancer and choreographer Aakash Odedra explores the centuries-long journey of a songbird on stage with SBS Spice. Tap the audio player to listen. Photos by Angela Grabowska and Ken Leanfore.

Dance is a reflection of life. When I'm on stage, it's about becoming one with the subject, with the entity, with the people, with their experience.

Aakash Odedra, dancer and choreographer

SBS Spice is your go-to for South Asian Australian culture, exploring what makes us tick—or ick. Catch us on your favourite podcast platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and the SBS Audio app. Or tap the audio player to listen to the full episode. Follow SBS Spice on Instagram @SBSSpice and never miss an update.

Love stages, spotlights and storytelling? Add these to your playlist:

LISTEN TO

Danish Sheikh on Queer Love, Courtrooms and Creative Freedom

SBS Audio

22:10English

LISTEN TO

"And What Will People Say?": Kersherka Sivakumaran on breaking silence

SBS Audio

27:32English

LISTEN TO

Siv, Shyamla & Anjana: Heritage in motion

SBS Audio

13:53English

New episodes drop every week. Find and follow SBS Spice on Instagram @SBSSpice and never miss an update.