“This is much more than a job to us,” says Ajay Chhabra, co-artistic director of our Aldershot-based arts company, Nutkhut. “The work we make can be informative, but it also brings joy to people and puts a smile on their faces.”
As regular visitors to the Glastonbury Festival will know, we at Nutkhut – the Hindi word for ‘mischievous’ – are a familiar face at Glastonbury’s Circus and Theatre Fields, where performers of all kinds mingle with festival-goers from 11am to the wee hours.
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Founded 21 years ago by Ajay and fellow British Asian artist Simmy Gupta, we create live performances that encompass dance, music, circus skills, film, and digital design. Our mission is to bring to life awe-inspiring stories of the British South-Asian experience through joyous and playful performances and installations.
For more about our journey, inspirations, and exciting projects, read the full post online on the National Lottery site.
Nutkhut, meaning ‘mischief,’ honours our town’s military heritage with a lively new dance company. Local talent, inspired by historical links, brings energetic performances that celebrate community spirit and cultural legacy.
“Plenty Drama! Plenty Passion! Pure Joy and Fun!” Mrs Thapa – Audience member “
This newly formed group of local residents recognises the importance of the region’s military history whilst acknowledging the love and thirst people have when art transforms public spaces through the power of people coming together.” Simmy Gupta Co Artistic Director.
Everything Nutkhut does, it does with a twist—it’s never quite what you expect. Nutkhut’s Bollywood Battalion, is a brand-new dance group composed of local residents from the district of Rushmoor in Hampshire, in England. This multi-generational ensemble features a diverse range of ages, nationalities, and abilities, including Army veterans, Ukrainian refugees, Indian IT experts, compassionate care workers, and individuals both young and old.
It’s a vibrant mix representing the best of British and international diversity. Nutkhut’s philosophy is to bring people together through exciting new experiences that often transform a community and the space in which people live and work. The golden thread running through our company is the joy of coming together to be part of something unique and special.
No two Nutkhut shows are the same, from caring for our communities to taking our local environment into consideration, from untold stories to bringing to life curious and creative stories. For Victoria Day 2024, Nutkhut created a unique dance choreography, reimagining this historical event by turning it on its head, inside out, and upside down.
The choreography, created by Simmy Gupta, Co-Artistic Director, was set to the track “London Thumakda” from the Bollywood film Queen. The lyrics of this song reflect the experiences of a young woman in the UK, resonating with the film’s game-changing, low-budget, women-centric narrative. The performance included references to Queen Victoria and the ringing of the chimes of Big Ben, symbolising a period of British history that is evolving and changing.
If you have an idea or simply want to make a creative change locally, please get in touch. If you’d like to be part of something special, please get in touch or join our mailing list—or both!
Nutkhut is thrilled to present our newest group, The Bollywood Battalion, at Aldershot’s Victoria Day this Saturday. Our newly formed dance group, comprising local Rushmoor residents, embodies our mission to unite diverse communities.
“Creating dance in public spaces with communities is my passion. From beginners to the experienced, from veterans to the newly arrived, I love how the language of dance can bring people together!” Simmy Gupta, Nutkhut
This unique ensemble features Gurkha Army Veterans, Ukrainian refugees, local youth, and retired groups, reflecting Nutkhut’s commitment to fostering connections among people who might not otherwise meet. Victoria Day, the highlight of Aldershot’s summer, showcases the town’s vibrant community spirit.
As we parade through the heart of Aldershot, we celebrate cultural awareness and partnership, honouring the town’s rich military history and diverse population.
Photo credit: The Bollywood Battalion-Victoria Day 2023, Hayley Madden
“Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion.” Martha Graham
“We are thrilled to be part of this celebration of South Asian history and culture,” said a Nutkhut spokesperson. “Our initiatives aim to amplify these important stories and ensure they are heard far and wide.”
Plans for 2025 are already underway, promising even more engaging events and partnerships.