Established in 2017 by three young students of classical Hindustani music and dance, the Delhi-based collective emerged with the intention to challenge the conventions within Indian classical performing arts and to push against traditional boundaries. Exploring ways to emancipate the classical performing arts from inherited elitism and hierarchies, the artists cultivated a collectivist creative practice which allowed them to evolve their artistry in a critical space that allowed for discussion and experimentation. Performing outside the classical art bubble, and sharing their art with communities deprived of cultural programs, equally shaped their practice.

One of their impactful initiatives was 'Kalatva for Kids,' which aimed at introducing classical music and dance education into public schools. Collaborating with the NGO Music Basti, they conducted performances and workshops in several schools in New Delhi. Kalatva Collective took the program to Germany and offered summer dance and music workshops in refugee camps in Göttingen and Berlin.

Kalatva Collective was active in New Delhi from 2017 to 2018 and achieved noteworthy milestones in those two years, including successful tours in Germany in 2017 and across Europe in 2018. Their portfolio showcases captivating performances and workshops held across Europe and India. Performances of the collective never adhere to a fixed script. Rather, they consist of some original dance and music compositions and long improvisation sequences emerging on the spot.