MEHEK
Aakash Odedra
Aditi Mangaldas

In 2024, Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels is supporting The Arts Center at NYUAD for the presentation of Mehek by Aakash Odedra and Aditi Mangaldas.
Mehek is a captivating contemporary dance performance that centers around a mature woman and a younger man. In this mesmerizing work, the stage transforms into a canvas where rhythmic tales of desire unfold, entwined with the elements of nature. The mirrors, akin to the calming waters of the sea, reflect the duality of their love story—the tranquil surface and the tumultuous waves beneath. Through these mirrors, the performance reveals that love is not only a personal journey within oneself but also a profound connection and exploration through the other.
Derived from the Hindi word for fragrance, the title Mehek alludes to the enduring power of memory and the essence of love itself. Aditi Mangaldas, dancing the first ever duet of her 50-year career, and Aakash Odedra weave a narrative that celebrates love in all its forms: raw, authentic, and infinitely resonant. The performers are two world-class Kathak dancers, and are the great South Asian dancers of their respective generations.
about the artists

Aakash Odedra
In 2024, Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels is supporting The Arts Center at NYUAD for the presentation of Mehek by Aakash Odedra and Aditi Mangaldas.

Aditi Mangaldas
In 2024, Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels is supporting The Arts Center at NYUAD for the presentation of Mehek by Aakash Odedra and Aditi Mangaldas.