6-A Akash Ganga is a 2023 Indian documentary film by director Nirmal Chander, exploring the reclusive life of the legendary Hindustani classical musician Annapurna Devi. 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.
Mandala Arts and Indian Development Service presents a film screening at both Chicago and Naperville, featuring Nirmal Chander joining us for a Q+A following the film.