In 1956, Annapurna Devi, one of India’s most renowned classical musicians, vowed never to perform in public in an effort to save her marriage to famous musician, Ravi Shankar, who had grown insecure with the acclaim she was receiving.

6-A Akash Ganga is a 2023 Indian documentary film by director Nirmal Chander, narrated by her disciple, Nityanand Haldipur. The film questions whether an artist needs an audience and reveals the story of a brilliant musician who withdrew from public performance in the 1950s to support her marriage to Ravi Shankar. The film, which won Best National Film at the 2024 Mumbai International Film Festival, does not feature the musician directly but provides a glimpse into her life through her disciples and personal space.

Her disciple, Nityanand Haldipur cuts through the myths to tell the story of matchless guru.

A Film by Nirmal Chander

NIRMAL CHANDER DANDRIYAL is the recipient of three National Film Awards from the President of India for excellence in cinema and his documentary MOTI BAGH was an Oscar entry from India in 2019.

He has worked in the field of non-fiction since 1996 as editor, director and producer. He has directed more than 10 documentaries and has over thirty editing credits. His films have travelled to many international festivals, winning multiple awards and receiving appreciation for their choice and presentation of characters, storytelling skills and humanistic approach. Some of his films have been telecast on BBC Online and Indian TV channels such as NDTV and Doordarshan.

He has been on juries at film festivals and has also conducted workshops on documentary filmmaking. From 2004 till 2007, he worked in Dubai Media City as a Senior Promo Producer/ Editor for Ten Sports channel where he handled the promotion of major sporting events as also the launching of a new football channel.

Two screenings scheduled as follows (Please click the button of the location to purchase tickets)