Where Poetry, Music, and Art Converged: KavitaKAFE’s ‘Suniye–Kahiye’ at Monalisa Kalagram
Pune, 5th May 2026: On the evening of May 3, the vibrant art space Monalisa Kalagram came alive with words, emotions, and melody as KavitaKAFE hosted its evocative poetry gathering “Suniye–Kahiye.” True to its name, the event became a shared space of expression and attentive listening, bringing together budding writers and seasoned voices across generations—from a 12-year-old participant to a septuagenarian speaker.
The evening unfolded as a tapestry of diverse themes and lived experiences. Through their poems, participants explored subjects as intimate and expansive as early motherhood, squabbles and banters between married couples, the many moods of changing seasons, self-love, nostalgia, and one’s connection to their native village. Some poets reflected inward, speaking of self-discovery and the courage to overcome mental barriers—opening “windows of the mind” through verse—while others found inspiration in unusual metaphors, such as the transformative journey of a silkworm.
The lineup featured a rich mix of voices, including Meha Chopra, Tejas Khandare, Shally Joshi, Ravi Acharya, Shahbaaz Khan, Shafique Khan, Surabhii Aplesh, Tanea Nyika, Surbhi Jain, Bobby Mittal, Subodh Mutha, Sharda Kanoria, Aabha Ghuli, and Savitri Bhartiya. While most participants presented their original compositions, the evening also welcomed curated renditions of published literary works, adding depth and variety to the showcase.
A particularly moving performance came from Zimbabwean spoken word artist Tanea Nyika, whose poem on lost childhood resonated deeply with the audience. Adding a literary dimension to the evening, septuagenarian Savitri Bhartiya offered a thoughtful reflection on Aansoo by Jaishankar Prasad, describing it as a profound meditation on love, separation, and the quiet intensity of inner pain—where personal grief transforms into philosophical insight on human sensitivity.
The narrative arc of the evening was further enriched by storytelling, as Bobby Mittal engaged the audience with a short story titled Ek Kahaani by Ashok Chakradhar, blending humor and reflection in equal measure.
As the evening progressed, poetry seamlessly gave way to music, elevating the atmosphere into something truly magical. Omkar Zanjote, lead vocalist of the band Sufi Rang, mesmerized listeners with Saanson Ki Mala, while Anupam Banerjee’s soulful rendition of Kuch Na Kaho from 1942: A Love Story added a nostalgic charm to the gathering.
Garima Mishra, founder of KavitaKAFE, said, “What made the evening uniquely immersive was its setting within an active art exhibition. Attendees also had the opportunity to experience Beyond Blue, an exhibition co-curated by Lisa Pingale and Deepak Sonar, allowing poetry and visual art to engage in a silent yet powerful conversation.”
All in all, Suniye–Kahiye was more than just a poetry event—it was a celebration of expression across ages, cultures, and art forms.
