STARLIGHT ON
Niharika
Sanghi
Kathak Dancer/Choreographer.
July 17, 2026
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NIHARIKA SANGHI has been dancing Kathak since she was 6. Now 27, watching her perform one can see dancing is in her blood. Literally… in a metaphorical way.
Niharika is the Assistant Director/Choreographer and one of the principal dancers of RUCHI SANGHI DANCE COMPANY, founded 24 years ago by Ruchi Sanghi, her mother and Guru.
Based in Sydney, NSW, RSDC is rightfully known as one of Australia’s top Kathak and contemporary Indian Dance company’s and school’s.
READ more about Ruchi Sanghi, RSDC plus slideshows of past productions and performances taken by Dusk Devi Vision here
I have a personal connection to Niharika and RSDC outside of TS.
I was the official photographer of their productions from 2013 to 2024 and have seen Niharika evolve on stage but also shine brightly from the start.
Even when she wasn’t taking centrestage as a main character, Niharika’s fluidity and grace drew the eye.
Like all natural talents, she has the skill of becoming part of the “samuh” [group] without pulling focus but a star will always shine.
It was personally delightful to photograph Niharika as the titular lead character in ‘Anarkali: The Musical’, RSDC’s hit production of 2022 [and in 2024]. A truly spectacular, original production of a well-known, classic and historical story
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ANARKALI: The Musical by RSDC. (2022)
Image from ‘Laasya’ (2023)
RSDC is back with another original, cinematic extravaganza in July 2026, PAASBAAN (“protector”)
Niharika plays Hira, who is “fierce, loyal, and unyielding. Hira is the embodiment of duty. Bound by loss and driven by purpose, she carries the weight of protection on her shoulders and stands tall in the face of adversity.” [see ARTS: RSDC page for details]
“My sister and I developed the concept, while [long-time RSDC Director and Scriptwriter] Viral Hathi wrote the story and script.
The choreography is a collaboration between mum and me. We work very closely together, combining our ideas and creative approaches to bring the production to life.
From the very beginning, we wanted women to be at the heart of the story.
We wanted to tell a story where women aren’t simply symbols of sacrifice or devotion but are the driving force of the narrative. PAASBAAN explores strength, resilience and transformation, bringing to life a world where women’s choices, struggles and courage shape history rather than simply witnessing it.“- Niharika Sanghi
Starlight on Niharika Sanghi
1. Current mood’s five favourite songs.
• Jaiye Sajana from movie ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ (2026), vocals by Jasmine Sandlas and Satinder Sartaaj
• Tu Jhoom vocals by Naseebo Lal and Abida Parveen
• Gehra Hua from movie ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ (2026), vocals by Arijit Singh, Armaan Khan, and Shashwat Sachdev
• EPIC: The Musical – view here on YOUTUBE. [Read about it here – Wikipedia]
• Ye Tune Kya Kiya from movie ‘Once Upon ay Time in Mumbai Dobaara!’ (2013), vocals by by Javed Bashir
• Tu Jhoom vocals by Naseebo Lal and Abida Parveen
• Gehra Hua from movie ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ (2026), vocals by Arijit Singh, Armaan Khan, and Shashwat Sachdev
• EPIC: The Musical – view here on YOUTUBE. [Read about it here – Wikipedia]
• Ye Tune Kya Kiya from movie ‘Once Upon ay Time in Mumbai Dobaara!’ (2013), vocals by by Javed Bashir
2. Time travel: when, where and why?
Honestly, I’d stay exactly where I am. I feel like I belong in this time.
We have technology, modern conveniences, and access to everything we could possibly need. I don’t have a strong desire to experience the past, and I think I’d rather not know what the future holds.
I’m quite happy living in the present.
3. What is your style signature/your favourite look for yourself?
I don’t really have a signature style. Most days you’ll find me in tights and a hoodie if I’m at home, or in a plain kurta for rehearsals.
I don’t really have a signature style. Most days you’ll find me in tights and a hoodie if I’m at home, or in a plain kurta for rehearsals.
But I absolutely love dressing up for special occasions, especially in Indian outfits. I’ve definitely developed a newfound love for sarees recently.
4. Do you dance Kathak every day? For practice or pleasure?
I try to dance every day, although life sometimes gets in the way. If it were entirely up to me, I’d dance daily. It’s a combination of practice and pure enjoyment.
When we’re preparing for a production like ‘Paasbaan’, it’s very much focused practice. But some of my favourite moments are creating new choreography, exploring ideas, or simply dancing around the house because a song inspired me.
5. What colour would you use to describe yourself? Why?
Royal blue.
Royal blue.
It’s calm, dependable and focused. I like to think several steps ahead, I’m naturally organised, and I’m quite introverted.
Royal blue feels like a colour that’s steady and that resonates with me.
6. Do you play an instrument? If not, what instrument would you play in a fantastic Indo-Rock fusion band?
I don’t play an instrument, although I wish I did.
I don’t play an instrument, although I wish I did.
If I could instantly learn one, it would definitely be the tabla. It’s incredibly versatile, and having a deeper understanding of rhythm would only strengthen my Kathak as well.
7. What are you most grateful for?
Without question, my family and my art, they’re completely intertwined. Without my family, I wouldn’t have Kathak.
Without question, my family and my art, they’re completely intertwined. Without my family, I wouldn’t have Kathak.
My mother is my Guru*, and everything I’ve built is because of her guidance, vision and dedication. My family has been endlessly supportive, and I honestly couldn’t balance running a dance school, producing large-scale shows and working full time without them.
At the same time, Kathak has shaped who I am. It’s more than something I do, it’s a huge part of my identity.
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SLIDESHOW:
1. Niharika Sanghi. ‘Laasya’ ( 2018)
2. Ruchi Sanghi takes a bow. Anarkali: The Musical (2022)
3. Niharika and her younger sister Joia, backstage, ‘Laasya’ (2018)
4. Niharika and Joia. (2023)
5. Niharika and husband, backstage, ‘Laasya’ (2023)
6. Niharika, Aaron and Atreus
7. Anarkali: The Musical promotional poster (2022). Image by DuskDevi. Artwork by Lee Ohmega
8. Niharika’s ghungroo. ‘Laasya’ ( 2018)
8. If you could “plug in” and learn immediately, what subject would you take a super-crash course in?
Probably investing or stock trading. I’d love to build another source of income that would allow me to keep investing in the arts.
Probably investing or stock trading. I’d love to build another source of income that would allow me to keep investing in the arts.
9. What has been your favourite moment on stage?
There have been quite a few!
There have been quite a few!
Performing at the Sydney Opera House as part of ‘Confluence – Festival of India’ (September 2016) was an unforgettable experience, especially sharing the stage with incredible international artists. [Read an article from Sep 2016 here]
Performing at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s receptions was another huge honour
…but playing the title role in Anarkali will always be incredibly special.
After everything that happened during COVID, finally bringing that production to life made the journey even more meaningful.
10. If you could only keep five possessions, what would they be?
My phone (and definitely the charger!), my ghungroo, my passport so I can keep travelling, my dog Atreus, and my wedding ring.
11. As a choreographer, do you prefer traditional productions or contemporary fusions?
I genuinely love both.
Traditional productions like Anarkali and Paasbaan are incredibly rewarding because you’re building an entire world from scratch; story, script, choreography, music, lighting, costumes and staging all come together to tell one cohesive narrative.
At the same time, I love contemporary fusion works, like many of our pieces in Laasya 1 and 2, because they let us push boundaries, experiment with music and concepts, and present Kathak in fresh and unexpected ways.
12. Name one or two favourite books.
Harry Potter, without question. I’m a proud Potterhead.
13. What’s your biggest indulgence?
Sleep… and good food. Preferably both in generous amounts!
Sleep… and good food. Preferably both in generous amounts!
14. If you weren’t doing what you’re doing now, what would you rather be doing?
Dancing full-time. Hopefully one day!
Dancing full-time. Hopefully one day!
15. Is there a movie you could watch over and over again?
‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’. It’s one of those films that never gets old. It’s uplifting, beautifully made, and reminds you to slow down, take chances and truly live life.
‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’. It’s one of those films that never gets old. It’s uplifting, beautifully made, and reminds you to slow down, take chances and truly live life.
(You Won’t Get Your Life Twice or “you only live once”)
Directed by Zoya Akhtar
Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol, and Kalki Koechlin.
“The film follows three friends from school, Arjun, Kabir, and Imran, who go on a three-week road trip in Spain for Kabir’s bachelor party.“- Read more at Wikipedia
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH IT:
It’s a Hindi Cinema modern classic for a global audience. Cool, hot, glamourous yet truthful.
A gorgeous looking story, both in scenery and stars, that resonates with everyone regardless of language. How to overcome fears, have meaningful relationships and learn to live in the present moment, not just be alive in it.
[* Further reading: Kathak Guru
“The word Guru is made of two syllables: “Gu” meaning darkness, “Ru” meaning light; therefore, a Guru is the one who leads (a student) from darkness to light.” Read more at Kathak Club.]