I have suffered from an auto-immune condition called Alopecia Aerata since birth, which led to self image and mental health issues. While I was fortunate to have support of my family, friends and mentors, to not just overcome it but also pursue my passions in life.

I have conceptualized and directed Umeed - Colours of Hope, where I use my love of Kathak dance to tell not only my own story, but a story of many young adults' personal battles. I am hoping that through this performance, I may be able to help others who may be suffering, on ways to deal with it. My intention is to lift people out of their personal challenges towards hope. 

This one hour show will have dance, music and poetry divided in six segments. The show entails not only Kathak in its most traditional form with pure ragas, but English poems, Sufi and Fusion music as well. The entire production is scripted with an English voice-over, in order to make it enjoyable for international audiences and those without any prior familiarity with Kathak. In my two successful performances in Singapore, it was well received by a Chinese, Malay and international crowd.

I will not be earning anything from the show. Net proceeds from the show would be donated to PAPYRUS. Suicide is the biggest killer of young people under 35 in the UK. PAPYRUS is the national charity for the prevention of young suicide and believes that many young suicides are preventable.  Every £10 raised can help pay for a potentially life-saving contact to HOPELINEUK from a young person wanting to stay safe from their thoughts of suicide.

I look forward to seeing you at the show and your generous contributions.

Thank you.

Sunena Gupta