The baithak began with Kathak exponent Aditi Mangaldas conducting a talk on tradition and modernity in Indian classical dance. Following that, Himanshu Srivastava presented Shikhandi: The Inner Quest, a Bharatanatyam solo. The piece portrays the story Shikhandi from the Mahabharata, often painted in queer shades, who played a pivotal role in the battle of Kurukshetra. Raising questions of self awareness and a search for inner peace, Himanshu led the audience on a riveting journey. The second performance was by Urvi Vora and a contemporary dance-theatre piece called S.K.U.M. Manifesto (Society against Kamasutra and Uncouth Men). The performer depicted a "Woman in a Saree" as a museum object and then goes on to illustrate a satire on the Kamasutra through a woman's perspective.