One might say that Dr. Chaitasi Intwala is both the brains and the feet behind Bollywood, an upcoming fundraiser where locals will perform the graceful dances often seen in Indian Bollywood films.
Intwala is a general practitioner, ER physician and obstetrician at Flin Flon General Hospital.
She is also a skilled dancer who has been practising and performing Indian classical dances since childhood.
Intwala studied the art form with a passion in her youth, completing a seven-year course in Bharathanatyam, a form of Indian classical dance.
“I went on choreographing and performing, and won many awards,” Intwala recalls. “Even while I was in medical school, I always took part in an annual cultural event.”
Last year, Intwala decided to share these skills with the community by organizing Bollywood, a fundraiser for the redevelopment of the ER at Flin Flon General Hospital.
Manitoba Health policy mandates that the community must fundraise 10 per cent of the estimated $22 million cost of the ER redevelopment project, which will be heading to tender this fall.
Intwala taught local volunteers of all ages how to perform Indian folk and classical dances. The groups then performed them in a cultural showcase last September.
The show was a rousing success, raising almost $15,000 for the ER project.
After hearing many requests for another Bollywood showcase, the Northern Health Foundation, the primary fundraising body for the ER project, decided to host a second event.
While progress has been made on the fundraising for the Flin Flon ER, there is still a long road ahead.
“We have about $785,000 left to raise of the $2.2 million community contribution,” said Northern Health Region communications consultant Glenn Hildebrand. Pledges and fundraising to date have totalled more than $75,000. The community contribution also includes allowances of over $1 million for Saskatchewan and First Nation’s utilization of the ER, and more than $300,000 for land that the region is contributing to the project.
Organizers are hoping this year’s Bollywood showcase will raise close to last year’s amount.
Intwala has devoted countless hours to choreographing complex dances, and working with volunteer dancers aged five to 50-plus on their moves.
“It is interesting to teach someone who has no idea about these dances,” Intwala says with a laugh. “Most of them are just enjoying the dances, and having fun.”
The format of the evening will be similar to last year though most of the dances will be new. The night will include folk and classical dances in Bollywood styles and a solo dance by Intwala.
Thursday audiences will also be treated to a dance performed by six Flin Flon Bombers.
Both nights will include a colourful fashion show highlighting Indian bridal wear. Clothing and jewellery for the dancers is sure to be a highlight: the costumes are being imported from India.
Bollywood shows start at 6 pm on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 23 and 24, at the R.H. Channing Auditorium in Flin Flon. Tickets are $25 per person or $200 for a table of 8, available now at Northern Rainbows End.
