Khaana aur Gaana Redefines Cinema Through Food & Music

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 26: Khaana aur Gaana brought the worlds of food, music, dance, and cinema together in a uniquely crafted spectacle led by the exceptionally versatile performer Aviekal Kakkar. Designed as an immersive tribute to the sensory magic of films, the showcase unfolded as a meticulously curated journey where flavours and melodies intertwined, echoing the emotional pulse of iconic cinematic moments.

Far from a casual ode to nostalgia, Khaana aur Gaana was structured with precision and rooted in research. The experience highlighted how food, rhythm, and movement have consistently shaped the way audiences connect with cinema—across cultures and decades.

Where Food, Music, and Movement Intersect

Central to the showcase was Aviekal himself—dancer, singer, performer, storyteller, and food curator—who seamlessly transitioned between disciplines without diluting intensity. With effortless command, he transported the audience into a world where culinary symbolism and cinematic expression worked in harmony. His performances wove together vignettes where samosas met salsa, gulab jamuns paired with guitar riffs, and iconic scenes were reimagined through choreography and narrative depth.

Cinema Through a Layered Culinary Lens

Aviekal’s narrative explored how food has long served as an emotional character in cinema—at times humor, at times poignancy, and often a symbol of love, conflict, or memory. Revisiting legendary dining sequences from Bollywood to Hollywood, he broke down their cultural significance while infusing each transition with movement and song.

This was not mere referencing; it was scholarship delivered through performance. His narrative foundation reflected thorough research, constructing a bridge between culinary artistry and cinematic history with remarkable clarity.

A Vision by Sohaila Kapur, A Creation Brought Alive by Anuradha Dar

The concept originated with Sohaila Kapur, whose thematic vision formed the nucleus of the showcase. Under the production design of Anuradha Dar, this concept evolved into a fully realised, sensory-forward experience. Yet, the emotional core remained Aviekal himself—his voice, expression, and multidisciplinary fluency infused life into every frame.

A Performer Who Defies Categories

Aviekal’s ability to command multiple artistic spheres simultaneously set him apart. His choreography captured the mood of different cinematic eras, his singing underscored emotional turns, and his food curation introduced audiences to the gastronomic storytelling they never knew they missed. Each segment bore his creative signature, offering viewers a fresh lens through which to relive cherished movie memories.

India’s Emotional Connection to Food and Film

In India, food is identity and cinema is emotion. Khaana aur Gaana harnessed this cultural truth with striking accuracy. It evoked shared memories—Sunday feasts, Bollywood classics, festive gatherings—while also contrasting Indian cinematic warmth with Hollywood’s stylised food sequences. The result was a global yet deeply rooted narrative that resonated with audiences of all ages.

A Multisensory Experience With Lasting Impact

At its essence, Khaana aur Gaana was more than a performance. It was a sensory journey—melding taste, movement, and melody into one cohesive storytelling tapestry. Through thoughtful curation and powerful delivery, Aviekal established a new benchmark for cross-genre artistic showcases in India.

The experience reaffirmed cinema’s ability to connect people not just through visuals and sound, but through flavours, memories, and shared cultural rhythms.

PNN Entertainment