Chaina and Rakesh Meena are performers from the Meena community of Rajasthan. They are the central storytellers of the theatrical folk performance ‘Kashida Phool: Journeying with the Cross Dancers of Rajasthan’. In this piece, Chaina and Rakesh tell their own personal stories of becoming cross dancers in their own voices. Their performance is a powerful journey of self-discovery that is deeply rooted in folk tradition.

As part of ‘Kashida Phool’, audiences will witness the two male bodies transform into female dancers through the intimate act of undressing and dressing on stage. This performance explores the past, present, and future of cross dancers while weaving together themes of identity, gender fluidity, social roles, community, and family. The performance is curated and facilitated by Shreeya Kishanpuria, Kamakshi Saxena, and Supriya , and is supported by Alliance Française Jaipur, Jaipur Virasat Foundation, and Maah Space.