On Nov. 12, the South Asian Multicultural Organized Student Association (SAMOSA) put on Zindagi .

SAMOSA organizes events every year to raise funds, and Ticket proceeds are donated to charities. This year’s recipient is Save the Children India, a NGO to help improve the lives of underprivileged children by aiding them in getting access to healthcare services and quality education. This year, the show raised $7000.

Zindagi refers to “life” in Hindi, and is the core focus of the show. At the opening, the two SAMOSA Co-presidents Julie Mathew and Pragya Ajmera gave good news: the show sold out for 600 seats. In an interview, Mathew and Ajmera shared that, due to the high number of attendees, they had to maximize space and reserve as many chairs as possible.

Zindagi consisted mainly of skits, acapella and dancing performances, with teams from various universities performing. Rutgers University, University of Delaware, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, St. Joseph’s University, as well as two of Villanova’s own dance groups: Superlatives and Nova Nassa, appeared at the show. 

After the show,  many students expressed their love as fans of NOVA NASSA. 

“Their moves were so powerful, it felt like the audiences were all lit up,” One student in attendance said. 

“Their clothes were stunning.” Another student shared.

One audience member with dance experience described her  enjoyment of the shows.

“Their choreography combined dance genres like hip-pop with Indian dance, presenting a perfect mix of modern and classical.” 

Students from Delaware Kamaal shared that they referred from Bollywood fusion dance.

“We really try to channel our emotions through the songs.” Delaware students shared. “And the rehearsal of the whole dance took about two months from summer.”

Another scene was the fashion show. 

Freshman Sasha Shanker participated in the fashion show. She bought her saree while she was in India and it was the first time she wore it 

“When my parents heard about the event, they were like, ‘You should wear it to the SAMOSA show,’” Shanker said.

Another scene, one that seems to tie the show up together, is a light-hearted skit about school life. The main characters go through a friendship crisis, then get back together. 

Freshman Majo James played a dad urging his son to find a girlfriend in the show.

 “My favorite part of the show, selfishly, is my own scene,” James said. “I love the Chemistry I have with the son of the scene.”

 Zindagi both focused on those in need and was a great platform for cultural presentation, and SAMOSA’s performances prove it.