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 Vanita portrays feminine grace through dance - Vijay Shanker e-mail: vijaydance@gmail.com July 9, 2023 Nata Ravi in collaboration with Natanam with support from World Forum for Art and Culture (WFAC) Maharashtra presented a unique programme Vanita (the grace within) featuring six female dancers, portraying women empowerment through varied facets and stories, at Natanam Studio, Goregaon, Mumbai on 30th May. Kathak Baithak features different formats of Kathak presentation - the proscenium format, the Katha Kathan (story telling) format and the contemporary theatrical format connected by the myriad forms of feminine energy.  Kiran Bhargava The Sutradhar of the programme, Kathak exponent Sunil Sunkara, briefly introduced the significance of the Vanita perspective and every performer who performed, commencing with Kiran Bhargava as Urmila. This brief and subtle rendering of the woman, is the poetic rendering of Mythili Saran Gupt's book 'Saket' with music and choreography by Pt Birju Maharaj. This pertains to a dream sequence, covering a wide spectrum of the fourteen years in exile. Urmila is unable to recognise Lakshmana; this unusual interpretation was quite brief that could not be registered beyond a certain point; nevertheless Kiran danced with the confidence of a seasoned artist with poise and dignity. It was created in 1979 for Doordarshan and music recorded in 1988. Kiran Bhargava is also a television actress and disciple of Pt Birju Maharaj since 1976.  Trupti Chiwukula Trupti Chiwukula created quite an impression with her interpretation as Ruhani, based on the Qawwali musical format, while incorporating three varied women in the life of Lord Krishna. Rukmini's loyalty, Radha's love and Meera's devotion formed the quintessence of this presentation. What happens when a devotee surrenders oneself completely to Lord Krishna? The kind of devotion which goes so deep and becomes so immersive that no one can tell as to when the self ends and Krishna begins. The Qawwali "Saason ki mala" penned by Tufail Hosiarpuri, is popularly sung as a bhajan, ghazal and qawwali too. Trupti is voice over artist and has learnt Kathak from mentors like Sonia Prachura, Renu Sharma, Saswati Sen and Pt Birju Maharaj. Trupti has finally started performing after battling health problems for five years. Trupti's expressive face, coupled with stylized and rhythmic movements was the highlight of her performance.  Smriti Talpade Accomplished Kathak exponent and mentor Smriti Talpade heads the Nritya Smriti Academy of Performing Arts. A disciple of veteran mentor Asha Joglekar, she is the recipient of the Women's Achievers Award (2022). Smriti presented 'Sati' based on Daksha Yagna written by Pt Lachcu Maharaj, padant by Smriti Talpade, tabla by Shekhar Gandhi, harmonium by Atul Phadke, sitar by Prasad Rahane. This dramatic interpretation was noteworthy for its rhythmic delight and expressional quality.  Vrushali Dabke Vrushali Dabke as Janabai, created a lasting impression with her complete involvement and intensity. Janabai was a domestic help to saints Gyaneshwar, Eknath and Namdeo, known particularly for the poetic Marathi abhangs that forms an integral part of the life of Maharashtrians. Janabai was so sincere and loyal and her devotion for Lord Vitthala so amazing that she ultimately became a saint herself. Vrushali is a mature performer, forming a fine synthesis between complex rhythm, expressions and divinity. She is the disciple of Dr Manjiri Deo and Taalmani Mukundraj Deo. Vrushali is the author of 'Layamanjiri' and is currently working on the interrelation between Maharashtra Keertan tradition and Kathak temple tradition.  Saranya Jaselin Blessed with a striking stage presence with large expressive eyes, Saranya Jaselin is a Bharatanatyam and Kathak dancer and has founded Saranya's Sahasra Cultural Trust in Irinjalakuda in Kerala. Saranya interpreted Radhika and Kalika, Jaydeva's ashtapadi "Rati sukha sare" and "Dheera sameere" establishing Krishna's intense relationship with Radha with striking expressions. Kalika was in 13 matra manthika taal by Dr Puru Dadeech and padant by Dr Vibha Dadeech. It was a pleasure to watch Saranya dance with elegance and poise.  Gayatri Bhat The last performer of the evening was Gayatri Bhat. Gayatri interpreted Savitribai Phule who was the pioneer for education for women. Although it has been 126 years since Savitri has passed away, the sapling of education has blossomed into knowledge and understanding. 'Are we women dragging ourselves back in a tangle of rotten thoughts?' It is something to think about. Gayatri and her students presented a thought provoking and powerful presentation on the significance of education for women. Conceptualized and written by Gayatri who is the disciple of Guru Ranjana Phadke and is director of Padanyas Kathak Institute. The World Forum for Art and Culture has been founded by those who want to see the world united through art. It has been conceived by The Art of Living, an organisation that has brought people of different cultures, religions and nationalities together with art performed on massive scales. Nata Ravi is a performing arts organisation founded by Sunil Sunkara, with an intent to nurture and revive the lost traditions of Indian classical dance, with an emphasis on the storytelling traditions of India. Natanam Studio is headed by Kathak exponent Piyush Raj.  Vijay Shankar is a Kuchipudi and Kathakali exponent, teacher, bilingual journalist, arts critic and actor. |
