Vaat Sava Lakh Ni – Adhyay 1: A New Expression of Gujarati Folk Storytelling
Ahmedabad, Gujarat | Shreyas Foundation Amphitheatre | 20th June 2026
Ahmedabad witnessed the first Adhyay of “Vaat Sava Lakh Ni”, a Live Musical Folk Storytelling Experience presented by Backstage Alive and led by Dr. Ranjit Vank.
The show was conceived as a contemporary presentation of Gujarati folk storytelling, bringing together traditional folk literature, live music, theatrical elements and modern stagecraft to create an experience that could connect with both audiences familiar with the tradition and a new generation.
Bringing Folk Stories to a New Generation
Gujarati folk stories have travelled through generations through storytellers, literature, music and oral traditions. With “Vaat Sava Lakh Ni”, the intention was not to change the essence of these stories, but to explore a new way of presenting them.
Dr. Ranjit Vank brought his experience of over two decades of performing and engaging with Gujarati folk literature and artists to the stage. The production combined his storytelling with live musical arrangements, background scoring, dramatic presentation and carefully designed visual elements.
The result was an experience where the story remained at the centre, while music, performance and stage design became part of the storytelling itself.
The Vision Behind the Project
The project was represented and developed by Backstage Alive, with Zalak Patel, Founder of Backstage Alive, playing a key role in bringing the artistic and creative ecosystem together.
With a focus on artist representation and live cultural experiences, Zalak Patel identified and brought together the talent and creative teams involved in the project, helping shape the overall presentation and bringing the concept from an idea to a live stage experience.
The larger vision behind the project was to create a format where Gujarati folk literature could continue to reach new audiences without losing its cultural identity.
The First Adhyay
The first Adhyay was presented on 20 June 2026 at Shreyas Foundation Amphitheatre, Ahmedabad.
The performance brought together storytelling, singing, instrumental music, poetry, duha, folk literature and theatrical presentation, creating a contemporary live format for Gujarati folk storytelling.
A key part of the production was its musical language. Parth Thakar worked closely with the stories and their emotional and dramatic requirements, developing the live musical arrangements and deciding what musical treatment would best support each part of the storytelling.
This musical approach allowed the live score to become an integral part of the narrative rather than simply functioning as background accompaniment.
A Meeting of Generations
One of the strongest responses to the show came from the coming together of different generations.
For older audiences, the experience carried the familiarity of Gujarati folk literature and oral storytelling. For younger audiences, the same cultural material was presented through a contemporary live format with music, sound design and visual storytelling.
The response from the audience and visiting artists reflected the possibility of presenting Gujarati folk literature in new formats without losing its original character.
Guests & Special Presence
The programme was attended by several distinguished personalities from Gujarati literature, music, entertainment and the cultural community, including Padma Shri Bhikhudan Gadhvi, Sairam Dave, Kirtidan Gadhvi, Kinjal Dave, Rushabh Ahir, Shivam Barot, Abhinay Banker, Aditi Rawal, Denisha Ghumra, the Aghori Muzik team, and Pradipsinh Jadeja, among several other guests and well-wishers.
Their presence and appreciation added to the significance of the first Adhyay of “Vaat Sava Lakh Ni”.
Padma Shri Bhikhudan Gadhvi appreciated the approach of the production and described the presentation as a new form given to an existing cultural tradition, while emphasizing that the essence of the original “gold” had been preserved.
Concept & Literary Inspiration
“Vaat Sava Lakh Ni” is rooted in the idea that the medium of storytelling may evolve with time, but the essence of a good story remains.
The project also carries a connection with the literary vision of Ghanshyam Gadhvi, whose idea of bringing meaningful stories together in the form of “Vaat Sava Lakh Ni” became an important inspiration behind the project.
Through this live format, the team aims to continue that spirit by bringing Gujarati folk stories and literature to audiences through performance rather than only through the written word.
Presented By
Backstage Alive is a Gujarat-based artist representation and live entertainment company working across artist management, folk music, cultural programming and live experiences.
Through projects such as “Vaat Sava Lakh Ni”, Backstage Alive aims to develop contemporary formats for Gujarati folk music, folk literature and storytelling and take them to audiences across India and international markets.
Creative & Production Credits
- Concept & Creative Representation: Backstage Alive
- Artist & Talent Management: Backstage Alive
- Visual Identity & Creative Design: Accurate Digital
- Photography & Videography: Dream Talkies
- Live Content & Media: Electron Media
- Singer: Himanshu Chauhan
- Live Music & Musical Arrangements: Parth Thakar
- Violin: Mahesh Vaghela
- Dhol: Pappu Saju
- Percussion: Rakesh Wani
- Live Act: Hiral Kareliya
- Anchoring & Conversation: Devarsh Trivedi
- Décor Concept & Design: Sajaavat by Srushti
- Décor Execution & Production: Decor Mandi
- Mandap & Structural Setup: Vasoya Mandap Decor
- Highlights Edit by : Divy Sankhaliya
- Concept Edit by : Vandan Mistry
Media & Coverage
The first Adhyay also received coverage across electronic and digital media platforms, helping the project reach audiences beyond the live venue.
Other media coverage: youtu.be/Fyr6v6JKkCM · youtu.be/YRT2ftHO5_s
Photographs from the first Adhyay — select any image to open the gallery.
What Comes Next
The Ahmedabad presentation marks the beginning of the journey for “Vaat Sava Lakh Ni”.
The project is being developed as a touring live experience that can be presented across cities, cultural platforms, festivals and international Gujarati communities.
The larger vision is to create different live experiences around Gujarati folk literature, stories and cultural traditions — while allowing each story to find its own musical, visual and theatrical language.
Vaat Sava Lakh Ni – Adhyay 1 was the beginning. The journey continues.