#StartAConversation
April is Parkinson's awareness month, and 11th of April, World Parkinson's Day. To bring attention to this fastest growing neurological condition, we at Movement Mantra and Third Half Theatre come together to bring you our play Still Dancing, to #StartaConversation.
Based on the true story of a Parkinson's Hero, Still Dancing weaves together music, dance, and theatre to create awareness about Parkinson's Disease (PD) and highlights the real-life issues and challenges faced by people dealing with it. At the heart of it, the play is the story of a family. A family like yours and mine, with the same hopes and dreams. The play follows their lives, their joys and of course, their hardships.
It is an attempt to humanize PD and sensitize the general public, dissolve the stigma associated with it and create awareness on the possible
World Parkinson’s Awareness
interventions available for those afflicted. It is a portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of the human spirit.
It is our wish that through this production, awareness is enhanced across various interest groups – not just during World Parkinson's Month, but every day! We thank you for your support and hope that the play encourages you to go ahead and #startaconversation.
ENGINEERING PASSION. EMPOWERING INDIA.
38+
170+
On Stage
Actors
Vee - Shereen Saif
Pa - Vivek Tandon
Ma - Mona Ambegaonkar
Prem - Nakul Bhalla
Tony - Amey Mehta
Tina - Bhumika Mane
Rajesh - Abhimanyu Gupta
Rajiv - Avenav Mukherjee
Kapoor Saab - Amey Mehta
Nisha - Bhumika Mane
Off Stage
Writer & Director
Sanjeev Dixit
Producer & Creative Consultant
Vonita Singh
Choreography
Kumar Sharma
Waltz Choreography
Amey Mehta
Music
Original Score, Tabla & Pakhawaj
Rishab Sharma
Vocals
Kumar Sharma
Indian Slide Guitar
Amritanshu Dutta
Dilruba
Sandeep Singh
Set Design & Execution
Vivek Jadhav
Costume Design
The Costume Team
Technical Consultant
Niranjan Gokhale
Dancers
Kumar Sharma
Anmol Sood
Bhavana Sharma
Eshika Choomer
Kumar Sharma
Nandini Sonavane
Rahul Sharma
Ravi Joshi
Smriti Bhandari
Light Design & Execution
Adi Shastri
Sound Operator
Lazarus Edward D'souza
Dance Partner
Kathak Rockers
Line Producer
QTP
Production Manager (Team QTP)
Jinal Shah
Stage Managers (Team QTP)
Nirlek Dhulla
Tapesh Sharma
Logistics & Finance
SP (Tony) Singh
Souvenir Editing & Design
Rhea Dixit
Photography
Tapesh Sharma
PR & Marketing Partner
Mindworkz
Group of Friends Welfare Trust is a part of the Group of Friends Club established in 2011
Apart from activities aimed at inviting eminent speakers to address the Members to stimulate thinking of diverse topics as Culture and Arts, Medicine, Adventure and Academia, it also focuses on giving back to society.
The Group of Friends Welfare Trust the extended arm for social projects has a vision to have interventions in diverse fields to impact the lives of under and less privileged. Over the years it has undertaken projects to help rebuild school buildings destroyed in Uttarakhand floods in early 2011-12, Menstrual Hygiene for girls in Govt schools and Bastis, livelihood training, computer education etc. During Covid pandemic the Trust donated several Oxygen generators and also equipped hospital with critical care equipment like ventilators.
Our aim is to deploy funds available to reach the maximum beneficiaries. Over the years we have impacted well over 10000+ beneficiaries.
This is a small step, but our members stand committed to continue this momentum going forward.
For more information contact Rajpal Duggal Chairperson Community Services. Mob 9811022090 rajpalduggal@gmail.com
Director’s Note
by Sanjeev Dixit
It’s April, and since 2019, it has always been a special month. Of course it is World Parkinson’s Month, but it is also on April 11th, 2019 that Still Dancing was first staged.
I am taken back a bit further, to 2018 when I first met Vonita, and the voice notes she and her family shared on their respective journeys with each other and especially with Pa. These voice notes took on a life of their own and I realized I was the custodian of the memories of a family's deepest emotions. To be allowed into this intimate world and to share moments of joy, laughter, love, and yes, grief too, has been both a privilege and a solemn responsibility. I remember hoping I had done this deeply personal story justice.
Thankfully, the responses to our first show, and for every staging since, were so overwhelming that those doubts were dispelled by the generosity of our audiences. The
best. It never ceases to amaze me how people galvanize around a production and bring it to fruition. It is a spirit that has thrived against all odds for over two millennia.
Here's to that spirit. And here's to you for contributing to it. You, the actor, you the creator, you the cast, crew, production, truck driver, caterer, person watching from that chink in the rafters. And finally, you, the audience, who come out and support the theatre. For without you, the entire exercise is pointless. So thank you all for all that you have done and all that you continue to do simply by being associated, in whatever manner or form, with the theatre.
Oscar Wilde said, "I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in
Vonita Singh
Founder, Movement Mantra
With a doctorate in Anthropology, extensive training in Kathak and a profound understanding in Yoga, Dr Vonita has successfully touched and significantly impacted the lives of countless individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in Dubai, India and elsewhere in the world. Driven by her journey as a caregiver to her father afflicted with PD and, fueled by a genuine curiosity for effective interventions, Dr Singh pursued training at the renowned Dance for PD™ program based in New York.
In 2013 with a deep-seated desire to give back and make a difference, she founded Movement Mantra – a social enterprise that aims to further awareness of Parkinson’s and encourage collaboration with expressive art therapies as effective intervention modalities.
What started out as movement sessions with one PD 'hero' - Gity Bazargan, has over the last 10 years, grown to become a notable social platform for the PD community.
Working hand-in-hand with specialty hospitals, medical professionals and support groups, Movement Mantra plays a seminal role in building public awareness of PD, educating the larger population through narratives of personal and experiential journeys. Through interactive talks and workshops, the enterprise actively advocates mindful movement as a modality to improve the condition of those combating Parkinson's Disease.
Vonita has been an influential presenter at various Parkinson's awareness fora including conferences in Kuwait and India which resulted in
son's and Movement Disorder Society in 2017. A testament to her unparalleled work and advocacy in the field, in January 2023, she was invited as a guest speaker at the NYU Abu Dhabi campus, and later in the year to NIMHANS in Bangalore, India to share her experiences as a creative movement practitioner, assisting the Parkinson’s community.
Vonita’s work inspired the award-winning documentary 'Ranapakhara' by Arab Film Studio (2017). She was honoured with the 'Splash Heart of Gold' award in 2015 and the '1000 Faces of Asia' award in 2020.
Undeterred during the pandemic, Dr. Singh’s work continued as Movement Mantra moved to conducting sessions online, allowing its reach to expand and become accessible to more people than ever before from far and wide.
Currently based out of Gurugram, India, Dr Vonita Singh continues her work to enhance the visibility of Parkinson’s Disease through online and in-person sessions.
Sanjeev Dixit
Sanjeev Dixit has been smitten by the theatre from childhood, acting in school, college, and community plays in India.
As part of one of Dubai's leading English theatre groups 'Theatrics' since 2003, he was involved in every aspect of production be it acting, directing, choreographing, or writing songs on the fly. Sanjeev is also associated with Malhaar, Dubai's only classical Indian choir, and has staged grand Hindustani classical musicals with them. In 2012 he launched Third Half Theatre, a group committed to the theatre as an art form.
Sanjeev's plays have been staged at various short play festivals in Dubai and at The Emirates Litfest Fringe, The Sikka Art Fair, and have been performed in India and the USA. He wrote and directed the musical 'Amazing Dubai', a brainchild of social entrepreneur Brian Wilkie, which made its debut at the Madinat Theatre, Dubai and ran for six months. Featuring multi-national UAE based talent, it was a spectacular telling of the Emirate's journey from a small fishing community in the 1800s to one of the modern marvels of the world.
He then wrote and directed Sutradhar, a classic tale derived from the Mahabharata. He was the show director for the inaugural Bayut Your Home Your Choice Awards at the Dubai Opera, a Crayons event for Bayut.
He wrote and directed The Emerald House, an Orb event for Fever at the Al Seef Heritage village in Dubai, which was an interactive, immersive theatre experience.
2023 saw his Anthology of short plays filling houses in Dubai and a revival of Malhaar's Haaye Akhtari, a musical
Sanjeev then worked on interpretations of some of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s work to accompany Malhaar’s Romancing Tagore featuring Vidushi Shubha Mudgal. Late 2024 saw the premiere of Symphony Sargam’s Meera:Echoes of Love, a musical on the life of the Bhakti icon, which he wrote & directed.
The journey of 'Still Dancing' began in 2018, culminating in its first staging in 2019. An attempt to humanize PD and showcase the issues & challenges faced by people with PD and their families, the play was recently revived for Dubai in 2023, then revamped for its smash premiere in India last year in Mumbai. Still Dancing returns to India in 2025 in Delhi and Gurugram.
Always up for a challenge, Sanjeev is driven by an eclectic style, fuelled by a collaborative spirit and a desire to work across varied genres & themes.
Vivek Tandon
Vivek Tandon is writer/director of the award winning play, The Yoga of Sex, Marriage and Love, and author of A Blind Man's Map of Mumbai (Scholastic- a thriller for all ages above 10). He's acted with directors Vishal Bhardwaj, Shaad Ali, Nikhil Advani. He's played Dimple Kapadia's (comical) date in the upcoming Salam Noni Appa: the (seeerious) supreme court lawyer m Manoi Bajpai's Sirf Ek Banda Kaafi Hai: and the (kameena) editor in an upcoming Amitabh Bachchan film. On stage he enacted the lead role in Tom Alter's Marx My Word: enacted Jinnah in Gandhi: The Musical, etc. He sings bass in The Paranjoti Choir.
Mona Ambegaonkar
Mona began her journey on Stage as an Actress at the same time as she joined Cinema and Television as a Technician. For her, over four decades of heady, sometimes challenging, other times outright heartbreaking work, both, in front of audiences and behind the scenes has been nothing short of a miracle. If there is indeed an afterlife, then it had better have a stage and arc lights or she is going to be a very grumpy soul. She lives not just to perform but also consciously tries to use her work to facilitate representation for those that are routinely left out of the ‘limelight’.
Avenav Mukherjee
A multifaceted artist in the Indian entertainment scene, amazing skills as a trained kathak dancer, choreographer, actor, celebrity trainer and tedx motivational speaker. Based in Mumbai, he is internationally acclaimed for his work in various musicals, dance ballets, theatre productions, film & televison choreographies. Avenav has collaborated with prominent figures like Muzaffar Ali, Pandit Birju Maharaj, Nadir Khan, Abu jani Sandeep Khosla, Madhuri Dixit and Bapi Bose. He is an empanelled Doordarshan artist and Spic Macay artist, his philanthropic work includes educating the youth & primarily the underprivileged section about the importance of Indian classical dance forms by conducting workshops and lecture demonstrations in schools & colleges.
Bhumika Mane
Bhumika, is trained in the intricacies of Lucknow and Banaras Kathak Gharana. Additionally, she is a proficient trainee in Lavni and Panthi folk dances. As a dedicated theater practitioner, she also takes on the role of a production manager. Her artistic journey extends to the melodic realms, where she undergoes training in Rabindra Sangeet and Swang Shaili singing. 13eyond the stage, Bhumika holds a Master's in Computer Science from lllT BBSR, bringing together the worlds of technology and creativity.
Amey Mehta
In the vibrant realm of performing arts, Mumbai's Amey shines as a versatile artist with an extraordinary journey. His pursuit of perfection led him to New York's Broadway Dance Center, mastering Contemporary, Jazz, & Musical Theatre. His talents earned him a Best Choreographer nomination at the Mahindra Excellence Awards. His creative prowess extends to directing & co-writing critically acclaimed plays like "One Night Only & "With Birbal It's Possible." He also directed at NCPA's Connections India festival, collaborating with London's National Theatre. Recently, he founded Sunny Side Up Productions, directing the captivating" Food Stories -A Supper Theatre play" with sold-out performances at prestigious venues like Soho House, Club Jolie's, and Sassy Spoon.
Abhimanyu Gupta
Abhimanyu is a trained actor from Drama School Mumbai. He is trained Shashtriya Sangeet Vocalist and a dancer. For him theatre is where all art forms find a point of singularity in the form of expression of the self.
Shereen Saif
Based between Bangalore & Dubai, Shereen is a writer & multi- disciplinary artist with a practice spanning theatre, storytelling, classical dance, voice acting & conceptual art. A Graded artist of Doordarshan Kendra, she is an accomplished Mohiniyattam dancer & disciple of Dr. Neena Prasad. Trained at Natanakairali & Adishakti Laboratory for Theatre Art Research, her acting credits including her role as “Omana” in Suveeran’s Bhaskara Pattelarum Thommiyude Jeevithavum, a Malayalam play featured at META, ITFoK & NSD’s Bharat Rang Mahotsav. She is currently touring her storytelling-theatre solo “A Woman’s Mind”, a project that won grants from Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation & Wales Arts International. With a background in Architecture & Marketing Communications, she is an entrepreneur who balances her artistic practice with a corporate career.
Nakul Bhalla
Nakul is a film and stage actor, with a background in engineering R&D and design. His acting credits include films like Tu Hai Mera Sunday, Bell Bottom, Mission Mars, the web series High, and plays like Michael Frayn's Copenhagen, and Faezeh Jalali's Shikhandi. He's also a passionate ambigrammist and swimmer.
Ravi Joshi
Ravi is a professional Kathak dancer who trained at Nalanda University in Mumbai, earning a Master's degree in 2022. He also studied aerial arts at Fly High Aerial Art and Maddy's Aerial Art Company, where he served as a faculty member, and trained in Latin styles like Salsa, Bachata, and Jive at Time to Dance Academy. Ravi has won Latin dance competitions and appeared in ads as an aerial artist, including campaigns with Alia Bhatt for Samsung and Disha Patani for Nutrabox. His performance credits include the NMACC musical Civilization to Nation, Rajadhiraj - The Musical, and collaborations with Alia Bhatt in Kathak Rockers and Tamanna Bhatia in Stree 2.
Eshika Choomer
A core member of Guru Kumar Sharma’s team for 14 years, Eshika Choomer has an UnderGrad and Masters degree in Kathak. From choreographing a small piece for Madhuri Dixit, she was part of shows like ‘Chak Dhoom Dhoom’, ‘Vishakha Utsav’ and ‘Ghungroo: The Journey of Kathak from Traditional to Modern, Kenya’. She has been an integral part of events like ‘HDFC National Conference’, ‘American Express Conference’, ‘Canada Diwali Festival’, and performed with legend Mr. AR Rahman for the finale of YouTube Original Show ‘ARRived’.
Nandini Sonavane
Nandini Sonavane is a professional Kathak dancer with 15 years of experience in the art form. She began her Kathak training in first grade under the guidance of her gurus, Vasantrao Ghadage Guruji and Priyanka Shinde Tai. Nandini completed her 'Anlankar Purna' at Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalay (Vashi), passing the exam in 2021. In addition to Kathak, she is trained in folk & Lavani dance. Nandini has won several prizes at the prestigious Akhil Bharatiya Sanskrutik Sangh, a national-level competition held in Pune. She has also worked with renowned choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant in the grand musical show Civilization to Nation and has contributed to the Marathi film industry.
Smriti Bhandari
Smriti Bhandari, a professional Kathak dancer, has spent over 20 years honing her craft. From training at Rashtriya Kathak Sansthan, Lucknow since the age of ten, she graduated from Lucknow University in Kathak (2015) and received a master's degree in performing arts in Kathak (2020). She has won numerous dance competitions and worked as an assistant choreographer for CODE RED, SURGANGA - the largest musical event in India.
Bhavana Sharma
Bhavana Sharma is a professional Kathak dancer who has been learning Kathak for 15 years from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. Respecting her craft and passion, she has won many competitions which further motivates her to pursue a career in Kathak. She has collaborated with some well-known artists and joined the Kathak Rockers team in 2023. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in French.
WHAT IS PARKINSON'S
AN ESTIMATED 10 TO 12 MILLION PEOPLE WORLDWIDE HAVE PARKINSON'S DISEASE.
MEN ARE 1.5 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO HAVE PARKINSON'S THAN WOMEN.
LESSER KNOWN SYMPTOMS OF PARKINSON'S INCLUDE, APATHY, DEPRESSION, FATIGUE AND DEMENTIA.
PARKINSON'S DISEASE IS CAUSED BY THE DEATH OF A NEUROTRANSMITTER CALLED DOPAMINE. THESE CELLS ACT AS A MESSENGER BETWEEN NEURONS IN THE BRAIN TO HELP COORDINATE MOVEMENT
60 TO 80% OF THESE CELLS ARE ALREADY LOST BY THE TIME MOTOR SYMPTOMS APPEAR.
In India, the average age of onset is about a decade earlier than the global average.
PARKINSON'S DISEASE AFFECTS ONE IN 100 PEOPLE OVER AGE 60
WHILE PEOPLE ARE DIAGNOSED WITH PARKINSON'S AT AN AVERAGE AGE OF 60, ANYTHING YOUNGER THAN 50 IS CONSIDERED YOUNG-ONSET PARKINSON'S, OR YOPD.
THE EXACT CAUSE OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE IS UNKNOWN BUT GENETICS AND ENVIRONMENT ARE CAUSES.
TOXIN EXPOSURE
GENETICS AGE
SPEECH AND COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS ARE COMMON FOR PEOPLE WITH PARKINSON’S.
DYSKINESIA IS OFTEN MISTAKEN FOR A SYMPTOM OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE, BUT IS ACTUALLY A SIDE EFFECT OF PARKINSON'S TREATMENT. MANY PATIENTS REPORT DYSKINESIA TO BE AS DEBILITATING AS THE DISEASE ITSELF.
THERE IS NO CURE FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE TODAY. BUT THERE ARE TREATMENTS THAT CAN HELP MANAGE THE SYMPTOMS. DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION SURGERY
RESEARCHERS ARE INVESTIGATING POTENTIAL EARLY SYMPTOMS, SUCH AS IMPAIRED SENSE OF SMELL, CERTAIN SLEEP DISORDERS, CONSTIPATION AND UNUSUAL FATIGUE.
ORAL MEDS
CONTINUOUS DELIVERY PUMPS
MOTOR SYMPTOMS
OF PARKINSON'S CAUSES MUSCLES TO SHAKE AND FREEZE –INHIBITING MOVEMENT & CAUSING DIFFICULTY WITH WRITING, SPEAKING, CHEWING & GETTING DRESSED.
Off Stage
Adi Shastri
Adi Shastri is a theatre artist with a multifaceted career spanning over a decade. He has worked as a light designer, stage manager, sound operator across virtually every major performing arts venue in Mumbai, and several across India. In addition, he also works as a filmmaker and assistant director. He hopes to apply his learnings in the theatre as he explores direction and acting.
Lazarus Edward D’Souza
Lazarus is a skilled sound engineer and music educator with over 10 years of experience in live and theatrical productions. He has worked on major shows including Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Peppa Pig Live – India Tour, Mughal-E-Azam (which toured 14 cities in the U.S. and Canada), and Civilization to Nation by NMACC. With nearly 12 years of teaching piano and guitar, Lazarus blends technical precision with musical passion, making him a vital contributor both behind the soundboard and in the classroom.
Rhea Dixit
Rhea has been the Production backbone of Third Half Theatre since its inception. Her background in advertising combines with her passion for the theatre to give her the unique knack of visualizing props and costumes, and manufacturing them seemingly out of nowhere. A whirlwind of energy behind the scenes, Rhea has been the lynchpin for collateral design and souvenir related work on all our productions.
SP Singh
SP (Tony) Singh has been Vonita’s other half for well over 3 decades and part of the rollercoaster ride the family went through during and after Parkinson’s impacted them. Father to their two beautiful girls and complementing Vonita’s love for dance with his love for music, SP has been a part of the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) industry for 25 years, living and working across five continents. He recently transitioned to clean energy tech as the Managing Director of LanzaTech India.
Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Society
The Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Society (PDMDS) is an all-India charitable organisation working towards improving the quality of life of people with Parkinson's and their caregivers. The PDMDS was founded by eminent neurologist Padmashri Dr. B. S. Singhal in 2001.
The key objective of the PDMDS is to provide FREE-OF-COST services to people with Parkinson's and their carers, and to raise awareness about Parkinson's Disease and other neuro-
stand and manage the anger, depres sion, and anxiety that may arise from living with Parkinson’s. Art and craft activities improve fine motor skills, while creative and emotional expression is encouraged through dance and movement.
The PDMDS multidisciplinary model of care is an evidence-based, internationally recognised and effective approach for people with Parkinson's and their caregivers. An integral part of the model is its focus on self-management strategies for 'Activities of Daily Living'.
At our PDMDS support groups, we conduct physical exercises to improve movement, balance, and flexibility; speech exercises to improve communication; and cognitive exercises to enhance memory, attention, problem-solving, and decision-making. Additionally, we offer tips to help individuals under
The PDMDS has been recognized on various international forums where we have been invited to present the model and share our experience. We were invited by the World Health Organization to present our work, and share our learnings at the inter-national forum on advocacy for Parkinson's in developing countries, and subsequently to co-author a paper published by the W.H.O titled 'Six Action Steps to Address Global Disparities in Parkinson Disease -A
and acknowledged internationally by the World Parkinson Coalition, the World Federation of Neurology, and the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
The success of the PDMDS model was recognised by the World Parkinson Congress as an effective model of care for developing countries. With support from the Edmond J. Safra Foundation, we were invited to replicate this model in Mombasa, Kenya. Alongside Kenya, we have also successfully replicated the model
tion to prevention, we have initiated a Healthy Ageing programme, through which we reach out to senior citizen groups, forums, and residents at senior living facilities.
Through this programme, we raise awareness and provide education on neurological conditions prevalent in the elderly population, particularly Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Stroke, while sharing strategies to effectively manage these conditions through physical and cognitive exercises.
The dedicated PDMDS team comprising of physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers, community workers, and administrative staff across the country—remains committed to making care accessible to everyone with Parkinson's in India. Our Parkinson's warriors continue to push boundaries, proving that it is possible to live well with Parkinson's. What started as one small support group has now grown into multiple
centres across India, including 70 centres for Parkinson's and 150 Healthy Ageing programmes. Around 50,000 people have benefitted from our services, and approximately 1 million (10 lakh) people have been reached through our awareness and educational programmes. The result has been greater independence, improved mental health and motivation, reduced stigma, early diagnosis, and an overall better quality of life. At PDMDS, we strive to make every tomorrow better than yesterday, instilling hope as we walk this journey with them. There is no greater joy for us than when they believe and live
Mumbai: +91 9987216057 or +91 9167622905
www.parkinsonssocietyindia.com
Email: pdmds.india@gmail.com
Instagram: parkinsonssocietyindia
Facebook: parkinsonssocietyindia
LinkedIn: Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Society, India
Youtube: ParkinsonsNGO
Gulshan Narang
what will help us manage it well. The support of friends and family goes a long way in helping cope too”, says Gulshan.
with PD for the past 20 years. He was a successful businessman, his lifestyle initially took a big hit with the diagnosis. But in a tribute to his tenacity, he channelised the warrior within and decided to counter punch his way from the abyss he found himself in.
Being a natural dancer, he realized that it helped him feel better and positive. He soon started a YouTube channel – ‘Khul ke Naacho’ which continues to grow strongly where he showcases his dance moves and also collaborates with other PD warriors.
The positivity this has spread amongst the PD community has been infectious. “It's a challenging disease no doubt - it challenges you at every stage, but we need to learn to manage it and understand what makes us feel happy and better. Medicines plus our efforts together is
lifestyle and divides his time between Dubai and Mumbai. He credits his wife – Kajal, for her tremendous support and understanding. “She has stood by me like a pillar of strength. Her sacrifice and care have contributed in a major way to allow me to keep this disease from taking
Humans of Parkinson’s
Rupal Regina Nunes
I am Rupal Regina Nunes from Borivali and I am 56 years old, an interior designer, macaron baker, and cake decorator. My life changed in January 2021 when I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s after my sister noticed tremors in my left foot and hand. Things worsened in August 2021 after I lost my husband. Grief,
participated in a King’s College, London study on Parkinson’s and gut health. Determined to push my limits, I tried wall climbing, ice water plunging, and Iyengar Yoga, which eased my stiffness. Meditation became part of my routine.
Joining a PDMDS support group at Borivali was a turning point. Seeing others in advanced stages of Parkinson’s, yet staying highly positive through exercise, motivated me to fight back. I began neuro physiotherapy, yoga, and daily walks. I also
I continue to bake, cook, and plan to explore painting. Travel remains on my wish list. I am grateful to my doctors, therapists, friends, and family, and determined to live my journey on my terms.
#Take6forPD.
The Costume Team consists of Filmfare nominated Costume Designers, Managers, and Supervisors. They are responsible for fulfilling all the requirements of the costume department. With extensive experience in various aspects of costume design, production, and management, they are able to effectively oversee the operations of the department.
Their recent costume design work includes Jaya, a Mahabharata rock musical directed by Lillete Dubey, NCPA’s Every Good Boy Deserves Favour directed by Bruce Guthrie, Jyoti Dogra’s Maas, Siachen directed by Makrand Deshpande. In the UK, their portfolio includes Cyphers theatre’s Henry V and Great Expectations, Ulla van Brandenburg’s Baisse-toi montagne, lèvetoi vallon.
In the realm of costume management, TCT has successfully run the costume department for Disney’s Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Gandhi The Musical, Death of a Salesman, Jesus Christ Superstar, Corporate events featuring international teams for Aditya Birla Group, JSW, Wizcraft, BCG and the recent Ambani wedding event at Jamnagar.
MONSOON WEDDING MUSICAL
TCT lead wardrobe and contribute to the design of several segments of the musical "Monsoon Wedding" directed by Mira Nair, designed by the acclaimed Arjun Bhasin.
MUMBAI STAR MUSICAL
Designed by TCT, Directed by Nadir Khan,Mumbai Star is a production which embarked on a nationwide tour of Japan, receiving incredibly enthusiastic response from the local audience.
NMACC
THE COSTUME TEAM @thecostumeteam +91 9004052250 thecostumeteam@gmail.com
TCT has been collaborating with the venue, from the wardrobe department of the inaugural production "Civilization to Nation" and the Broadway and West End productions showed at the center, "The Sound of Music," "West Side Story," and "Mamma Mia."
Understanding Parkinson's Better
A PD Specialist doctor is the best person to advice on simplifying a journey for someone suffering from this disease. Dr. Madhuri Behari answers some questions that caregivers have about Parkinson’s.
Q. Is Parkinson’s Disease hereditary? My friend’s dad has been diagnosed and her grandmother also has.
A. Generally only about 20-25% PD cases are hereditary. Cases may manifest at young or older age depending on genetic factor or gene involved.
Q. My cousin is just 36 years old and has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. PD happens at such young
FIAN, FMDSI, is a Consultant Neurologist at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.
A. Yes. There is a cohort referred to as Young Onset PD (YOPD). Most of these cases have a causative gene. This cohort is more common in India. In majority of centres, about 30% patients have YOPD.
Q. Dad lived with PD for many years but he did not have tremors. We thought all PD cases have tremors.
A. Tremors occur in majority of cases and is seen in about 80% of patients and is usually a first symptom. A smaller number have no tremor or very insignificant tremors. These are known as non-tremor dominant PD. These patients generally have poorer prognosis and have faster progression.
She completed her MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), and DM (Neurology) from AIIMS, where she later served as Head of Neurology for over 13 years. Under her leadership, the department won the Best Neurology Department award from News 18. She received the Best Woman Scientist award from the Department of Science and Technology and trained in Movement Disorders at Queen Square, London. Dr. Behari has held leadership roles, including President of the Indian Academy of Neurology and Founder President of the Movement Disorders Society of India. She founded PRAN, an NGO focused on Parkinson’s awareness, and has published over 350 research articles, training over 150 neurologists.
Q. What are the marker tests for detecting Parkinson’s?
A. There are no definite markers of PD. However, there are some premotor symptoms which may occur in large number of patients several years before motor symptoms (tremors, slowness and stiffness).
These premotor symptoms are constipation, depression, apathy, smell disturbances, and acting out dreams in REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD).
Some doctors may also do a test called DOPA PET or TRODAT scan or dopa Spect Scan.
These tests measure the dopamine rich cells in the brain and special pattern which shows lack of these cells, helps in diagnosis of PD. However, the best test is clinically done by a neurologist, taking detailed history and examination.
Q. Doctor, please tell us about the various interventions for advanced PD stages.
A. Apart from medical management there are other methods which improve delivery of dopamine in the brain. They are:
1. Duodopa delivery into small intestine - by this a different type of dopamine is directly put into small intestine through a pump which has to be worn by the patient.
2. Apomorphine pump - in this apomorphine which gets converted to dopamine is injected in the skin though a pump.
3. DBS - this is a surgical procedure in which deep structure or nuclei are stimulated by a pace maker implanted in the chest.
4. FUS or focused ultrasonic surgeryin this no surgery is done. Through ultrasonic rays, precise thermal lesions are created to treat tremors.
5. Intra nasal dopamine is available in the US but not in India - it is used as a snuff and it’s absorption is better from nose, providing better dopa-
6. Vaccination - this is not available but lot of research is going on in this area which could prevent occurrence
Parkinson’s in the Public Eye
Alan Alda
“I decided to let people know I have Parkinson’s to encourage others to take action. I was Diagnosed 3 and a half years ago, but m life is full. I act, I give talks, I do my podcast, which I love. If you get a diagnosis, keep moving!”
me I've got human frailties like everybody else does, that's all I am: a man."
With Parkinson’s you have two choices: You can let it control you, or you can control it. And I’ve chosen to control it.
Neil Diamond
“There’s no cure, there’s no getting away from it. You can’t just say, OK, enough already, let’s get back to life. It doesn’t work like that. But I’ve come to accept what limitations I have and still have great days”
US Senator Isakson
ironies of my life that only when it became virtually impossible for me to keep my body from moving would I find the peace, security, and spiritual strength to stand in one place. I couldn’t be still until I could - literallyno longer keep still.”
“Coming from a working class background, I hate to let people down. I hate to not do my job,” he said.
“And so when I see my wife goin’ to work, my kids goin’ to work, everybody’s doing - tryin’ to be helpful to me, that gets me down because I can’t contribute to my family.”
About the Artist
The painting that we have used to promote #StillDancing actually has a very touching story behind it.
Our Director first spotted it online and we fell in love with it, as it felt so appropriate for what we wanted to do. He traced the art to Troon Art Club and discovered that the artist, Margaret Rae, is a Parkinson's Hero herself! Talk about serendipity.
Fortunately, Troon Art immediately connected us to Margaret. And when we asked if we could use her painting as the leading image of our production, she happily agreed, and Jan from Parkinson's UK in Scotland promptly sent us the image!
Margaret won the Art Award at the Mervyn Peake Awards organised by Parkinson’s UK for this painting. And this is what she says about her piece: “Dancing is something most couples enjoy. Many of my generation met in a dance hall. That’s why I chose to paint hands linked in a dance, since it is a partnership with love! I hope it also shows the determination to keep active as much as we can, to help gain as much as we can from life!”
Thank you, Margaret, for your generosity and for being such an inspiration, not only for People with Parkinson's but for people everywhere!
Margaret Rae
My name is Margaret Rae. I live in Irvine, Scotland. I am now retired from my career as a Primary School teacher. I have always loved to paint and draw, choosing from subjects such as landscapes, portraits, flowers and animal studies.
“They are not young hands. They are loving supporting hands.”
That is where the idea for the painting came from.They are not young hands. They are loving supporting hands.With the help of family and friends, life still goes on. The painting won the Mervyn Peake Award for Art for Parkinson’s U.K. and since then it has opened many doors for me.
My good wishes to everyone involved in this wonderful project in India. How your play has entered my life, widening its hori zons. My friends in the art world are fascinated how it links us together.
We would like to Thank All of you for your unconditional support
Abhay • Akanksha Tuli • Amal & Kishori • Amir • Anita
Ashish Mittal• Daljit Singh • Dolly Suri • Excelsior Auditorium
GoFC (Group of Friends Club) • Gurcharan Anand • Indrani, Little Theatre Group • Mahmood & Neeta • Manu Singh • Maria
Meeta • Megha Mittal • Monika Bimbhat • Narendra Negi • Naresh
Neha Khanna • Nicita • Niharika • Paresh Patel • Pranav Doctor
Priti Setia • Rajiv Wazirchand • Rajpal Duggal • Rishabh • Rohit M
Rohit S • Roli • Shadabipsum • Sanjay & Deepika • Saroj Verma
Satinder • Shalini Chauhan • Siddharth Lahoti • Sonika Chopra
Stein Auditorium • Studio 120 • Suman Roy • Swapan• Tarun
Umesh• Vaibhav Rawal • Vernika & Sanjeev • Yog Sikand
...and countless others whose support inspires us
