Students, families and faculty attended the Indian Student Association’s (ISA) first Bollywood Night last Saturday in the Auxiliary Gym.
ISA officers Striteja Kataru (12) and Tanvi Sivakumar (11) emceed the event, introducing each performance.
Senior Shivraj Panja played “Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko” on the electric guitar, and seniors Naiya Daswani and Hasini Namala performed a tabla and veena cover of “Zaalima.”
ISA adviser Anu Aiyer sang the Tamil song “Chinna Chinna Asai” while the audience waved phone flashlights to the melody. Dr. Aiyer explained that she chose that song because the lyrics highlighted finding happiness in small wishes.
“I think it speaks to a lot of people here,” Dr. Aiyer said. “Given that a lot of them are seniors, it’s about wishing them the very best as they go on.”
Parents of seniors performed a high-energy routine to “Gallan Godiyan” and “Lungi Dance.” Ritika Singh, who coordinated parent sign-ups and rehearsal times, highlighted the emotional significance of the performance.
“It was just two or three practices, but everybody chimed in, everybody was excited,” Singh said. “My favorite part was the bonding time to spend the last few weeks together as parents of seniors, and to do something nice for kids.”
ISA then opened the dance floor to all attendees, who formed a circle, dancing to traditional Bollywood hits.
Junior Savitha Satish ran a henna station, where attendees could get custom mehndi using templates filled with the herbal paste. ISA served dinner in potluck-style, with attendees bringing their favorite dishes and snacks from their culture, including Tandoori chicken, vegetable Pakora, Gulab Jamun and more.
ISA co-president and co-founder Rushil Jaiswal (12) explained the inspiration behind the potluck-style dishes.
“We’re really big on community, family, culture,” Rushil said. “Instead of just catering food, everyone brings a piece of them, and then we can understand a piece of each other. I saw this event really bringing different cultures in India together, full of vibrant energy.”
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director Patricia Burrows appreciated that seniors Kaleb Goldin and Jacob Smith brought homemade butter chicken. She noted the success of implementing the potluck, which showcased a wide array of cultural foods.
“There was such a warmth and pride that the students and families had for this experience together,” Burrows said. “It was a reminder of just how diverse the Indian community is with language and culture.”
Attendees settled at tables decorated with phulkaris, Punjabi embroidered cloth, and diyas, traditional Indian oil lamps. Vibrant banners and garlands adorned the walls, creating a backdrop for attendees to take pictures with family members, friends and teachers dressed in their cultural attire.
ISA officers considered numerous logistics while planning the event, including setting up the sound system, putting up decorations and managing sign-ups. Rushil expressed pride in the offcier team’s work.
“We’re hoping that now the layout is set, this could be a cherished tradition in the future,” Rushil said. “Since the founders are all seniors, we’re hoping that other officers can carry these traditions forward and make it bigger and something more meaningful for our community.”
Additional reporting by Eden Ahluwalia, Lucas Huang and Isabel Yang.