Bridging Faith and Tradition: The Inspiring Journey of Odissi Dance Artist Adria Cardoza
It was a proud moment for Mangalureans across India when Adria Cardoza, an accomplished Odissi dancer from Mumbai with deep roots in Belman, Udupi district, performed at the Statue of Unity, Kevadia, on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) — commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India.
The grand celebration, graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, showcased over 800 classical dancers representing India’s rich tapestry of performing arts. Among them, Adria’s elegant Odissi recital stood out for its grace, discipline, and spiritual intensity — a tribute to the timeless beauty of India’s classical heritage.
Adria also interacted with performers representing Yakshagana, Karnataka’s traditional theatre form, in a symbolic coming together of two classical traditions that embody India’s unity in diversity. Performing on such a national platform marked a defining milestone in her artistic journey.
“Standing before the Statue of Unity, I felt Sardar Patel’s vision come alive,” Adria shared. “Through Odissi, I wanted to express gratitude for our shared heritage and inspire others to find harmony in diversity.”
Rooted in Faith and Culture
Hailing from a Mangalorean Catholic family with roots in Belman, Adria has beautifully bridged geography and tradition by mastering Odissi, one of India’s oldest and most intricate classical dance forms.
In an era when many youths lean toward contemporary or western styles, Adria’s commitment to classical art underscores her deep respect for India’s cultural legacy.
A graduate in Nutrition and Dietetics, she blends intellect with creativity — balancing academic excellence with artistic passion. Beyond dance, Adria is a trained Hindustani classical vocalist, a Pickleball medalist, and a crochet artist — truly embodying harmony of mind, body, and soul.
A Disciple of a Legend
Adria began her Odissi training in Grade 4, under the tutelage of Guru Sri Rabindranath Kumar Ati Budhi, one of India’s most respected Odissi exponents and recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award 2023, conferred by the President of India.
Her Guru has trained several renowned artists, including Meenakshi Seshadri, Hema Malini, Tabu, and Rani Mukerji, placing Adria in an illustrious lineage of performers.
Her notable performances include appearances at the Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple (Juhu) alongside Meenakshi Seshadri, Odisha Fest 2019 (Navi Mumbai), the Festival of Performing Arts 2023 (Ahmedabad), and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Event 2024 (Gujarat).
Beyond the Stage
Adria’s artistic pursuits extend beyond classical dance. She has appeared in television commercials and made her acting debut in the School Cinema short film Apples & Oranges, directed by Rukshana Tabassum, which earned national and international acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of youthful curiosity and moral values.
A Family of Creativity and Excellence
Adria’s accomplishments are deeply rooted in a family that values both education and art.
Her father, Gregory Stany Cardoza, an alumnus of NITTE Engineering College, serves as CTO with an international organization. A poet at heart, his Konkani poems and short stories have been published in reputed magazines and broadcast on All India Radio, Mangaluru.
Her mother, Shaila Anita Cardoza (née D’Souza), a Science graduate in Electronics and Computer from NITTE, began her career in technology before following her creative passion. After professional training in Hair and Makeup in London, she built a successful international beauty enterprise in Africa. Returning to India, she became a celebrity hair and makeup artist, working on Lakmé Fashion Week, Dior shows, and numerous high-profile bridal and fashion events — earning acclaim long before the social media era for her timeless artistry and grace.
Adria’s brother, Adney Cardoza, is equally accomplished — a national-level tennis player, model, and actor. He represented his college in the United States, where he completed his higher education. Starting at age eight, Adney featured in over 90 television commercials and acted in films including the short Mission Sunday and the Bollywood feature Rock On 2, alongside Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal, and Shraddha Kapoor.
Now pursuing higher studies in the U.S., Adney continues to inspire Adria with his discipline and creativity — traits that run deep in the Cardoza family.
Faith, Art, and Purpose
The Cardozas’ blend of technology, artistry, and global experience has shaped Adria into a modern artist deeply anchored in her Indian roots. Her mother fondly describes her as “an obedient, kind-hearted, and perfectionist child who strives for excellence in everything she does.”
Outside her rigorous dance practice, Adria is an animal lover, painter, and crochet artist, often sharing her creations on social media.
For her, Odissi is not just performance — it is meditation, devotion, and dialogue with the divine. As a Catholic Odissi dancer, Adria’s journey is a powerful testament to India’s pluralistic spirit — where art transcends the boundaries of faith, language, and region, echoing the vision of unity championed by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
A Dance of Unity and Grace
At the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations 2025, as the Statue of Unity shimmered in the colors of the tricolor, Adria’s Odissi performance — choreographed around the theme “Ek Bharat, Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (One India, Self-Reliant India) — resonated deeply with audiences.
Through her movements, she told a story of unity, resilience, and national pride, reflecting the spirit of modern India.
As the lights dimmed and applause filled the Kevadia air, it was clear that Adria Cardoza had not merely performed — she had touched hearts through art.
Her journey stands as a reminder that true artistry is not defined by fame but by devotion, discipline, and the joy of expressing one’s soul through culture.
“Through Odissi dance, I find oneness — with art, with India, and with humanity.” — Adria Cardoza
