Rama Kshirsagar - Arts manager, curator, and Bharatanatyam Dancer.
- Isobel Arden
- Apr 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 14
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Meet Rama Kshirsagar, an arts manager and curator and Bharatanatyam Dancer.
There’s a certain rhythm to the way Rama Kshirsagar moves through the world — measured, intentional, and steeped in tradition, yet always turning the next corner with the quiet defiance of expectation. Born and brought up in Pune in India, Rama’s story: a dancer who found purpose in planning, an artist who thrives behind the scenes, and a curator who listens before she speaks.
Listen to or watch Rama's interview where Mark and Rama created her fantasy cultural year and played Mark's This or That game.
At a young age, Rama committed herself to the rigorous discipline of Bharatanatyam, enrolling at the esteemed Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai in 2015.
For six years, she immersed herself in the slow burn of Indian classical dance — its philosophies, its silences, and its strength — earning both a Diploma and Post-Diploma in Bharatanatyam by 2021.
But somewhere between the nattuvangam beats and temple performances, Rama noticed something else calling to her, the orchestration behind the art, the intricate logistics and silent negotiations that allow culture to live and breathe.
While others prepared to climb the stage, she found herself gravitating toward the wings.
This quiet shift led her to a marketing internship at Shreya Nagarajan Singh Arts Development Consultancy in 2021.
What began as a learning curve quickly evolved into a launch pad. By late 2022, she had taken on the role of Programme Coordinator, overseeing artist relations, developing strategic materials, and sharpening her ability to speak both the language of tradition and the dialects of modern project management.
In parallel with her on-the-ground experience in Chennai, Rama sought to deepen her understanding of organisational frameworks. She enrolled at Fergusson College in 2023 to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, refining her analytical edge while still keeping a foot in the world of live performance.
By 2023, she stepped fully into the freelance arena. At Kalasadhak, and later as an independent Arts Manager, she curated and co-piloted a variety of projects, balancing strategic planning, cultural communications, and event execution across Pune and beyond. Whether managing a multidisciplinary showcase or steering a grassroots collaboration, Rama has built a reputation for operating where instinct meets intent.
Fluent in both English and Hindi, Rama isn’t just bilingual, she’s bicultural in her approach, bridging institutional legacies with contemporary sensibilities.
Her work is not loud, but it resonates. Not grandiose, but deliberate. She curates with care, choreographs logistics with grace, and navigates the often murky world of cultural management with a rare, unassuming clarity.
You may find her deep in planning the next arts gathering or sitting cross-legged at a rehearsal, eyes closed, listening for what others miss. She doesn't just support art, she builds the scaffolding that allows it to stand.
Rama Kshirsagar's Fantasy Cultural Year
In the interview above Mark created Rama's Fantasy Cultural Year from the answers to a few questions. There are no wrong answers ;-)
Armed with a magic wand, a time machine, and a Star Trek transporter, their conversation was filled with humour, anecdotes, and playful exchanges. Here is a summary:
Mark and Rama bonded over their shared love of a dirty mojito.
Rama shared her passion for Indian classical music and Western classical music, especially Mozart.
Rama wanted to start a research project on musical fusion in Sri Lanka, known for preserving ancient art forms.
Mark proposed that a wealthy Indian family foundation sponsor Rama for a year-long global research tour. The offer included: a book deal, a Netflix documentary, a TED Talk and a global university lecture tour.Rama agreed and chose to begin the project in Sri Lanka.
Mark challenged her to only listen to one type of music for the year—she chose Mozart.
Dream Dance Performance & Dinner
Rama’s ideal performance would be “The Dying Swan” solo ballet at the Royal Opera House, London. Post-performance dinner: Japanese cuisine.
Virtual Travel Adventures
Birmingham, UK:
Rama was interested in watching a rugby match.
Rome, Italy:
Mark highlighted the city’s walkability and new art gallery.
Exploring Art Through VR
Rama wanted to explore Rabindranath Tagore’s artwork using a VR headset. Though Tagore is best known as a poet, Rama admired his visual art and his founding of Shanti Niketan art school.
Global Cultural Tour Plans
Next stop: Moscow.
Planned cultural experiences included:
A pop/rock concert
A theatre play
A Broadway musical
An opera (Mark suggested Tosca)
A cinema screening (they chose a 1950s/60s French black and white film)
Rama also wanted to explore traditional Indian theatre.
They also planned a visit to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Lunch With Ratan Tata
Rama imagined a lunch with Ratan Tata, whom she admired for:
Philanthropy
Innovation
Belief in the younger generation
After lunch, she was ready to launch her TED Talk and lecture tour on hybrid music traditions.
The foundation lifted her Mozart-only restriction—she looked forward to listening to Bollywood music again.
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Mark Walmsley FRSA FCIM AGSM
Chief Culture Vulture
Arts & Culture Network
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