Pune, February 3, 2024: Marking the 38th anniversary of the founding of ‘Nad-Roop’ by the distinguished Sangeet Natak Akademi Award Winner and renowned Kathak Guru Shama Bhate, a distinctive three-day solo Kathak Festival named ‘Sanchit’ was inaugurated in the city yesterday.
The official inauguration of the festival concluded with the esteemed presence of Uma Dogra, a distinguished Kathak dancer from the Jaipur Gharana, and the Chairperson of the Advisory Committee of Kathak Kendra Delhi. The venue for this unique three-day festival is the MES Auditorium, located at Balshikshan Mandir, Mayur Colony.
Distinguished personalities, including Padmashri Taalyogi Pt. Suresh Talwalkar, an eminent singer from the Kirana Gharana; Pt. Ajay Pohankar, a renowned Tabla player; Pt. Ramdas Palsule, a Historian and Art Critic; along with Ashish Mohan Khokar, a celebrated Dance and Music Scholar & Linguist; and Manjari Sinha, gathered on this auspicious occasion.
Addressing the audience, Uma Dogra expressed, “I believe that the name ‘Sanchit’ is intertwined with spirituality. Every exceptional artist is born with ‘Sanchit’ karma. What a disciple acquires through the Guru’s guidance and what a Guru imparts to the disciple constitutes their ‘Sanchit.’ The ‘Guru-Disciple’ tradition emphasizes the relationship and mutual affection between them, expected from both sides.”
Reflecting on the journey of Shama Bhate, Padmashri Taalyogi Pt. Suresh Talwalkar shared, “I have personally observed Shama Tai’s evolution from a student to a disciple, a teacher, and finally, to a guru since 1970. I have witnessed many of her students metamorphose into exceptional artists. I can fathom the immense effort that goes into all of this. Today, as her disciples carry forward her tradition, I am confident that Shama Tai must be feeling a sense of relief.”
Expressing her thoughts on the festival, Guru Shama Bhate stated, “38 years is a substantial period, and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to train dancers across five generations. ‘Nad-Roop’ stands out as a private institute that has produced numerous solo dancers. To mark this momentous occasion, we envisioned a celebratory event, leading to the conceptualization of the three-day festival, ‘Sanchit,’ with a focus on solo performances. The festival doesn’t adhere to a specific theme, allowing each dancer to showcase her distinctive strengths and expressions in her solo performance. While choreographic presentations gained popularity over time, Kathak originated as a solo dance form. I firmly believe that the true essence of Kathak resides in the solo format. Hence, my continuous effort has been to nurture and cultivate individual Kathak dancers, highlighting their unique attributes. I take pride in witnessing each of my students evolve into accomplished solo dancers in their own right.”
The first day of the festival witnessed the magical trio performance of Isha Nanal, Shraddha Mukhade, and Shreya Kulkarni. They began their performance with ‘Krishna Vandana,’ followed by Madhyalay Teen Taal and Drut Teel Taal and concluded with a Tarana in Raag Hameer. They were accompanied by Ishaan Paranjape (Tabla), Shubham Khandalkar (Vocals), Shilpa Bhide (Padhant), Soumitra Kshirsagar (Harmonium), and Sandeep Kulkarni (Flute).
The trio’s performance was followed by a captivating solo performance of Shivani Karmarkar. She performed Taal Pancham Sawari and received heartwarming applauses from the audience. She was accompanied by Charudatta Phadke (Tabla), Suranjan Khandalkar (Vocals), Yashwant Thitte (Tabla), Sandeep Kulkarni (Flute) and Ameera Patankar (Padhant).
The concluding performance of the day featured Mukti Shri, presenting an enchanting repertoire in Rupak Taal. Her performance commenced with a Vandana, followed by intricate sequences in Teen Taals and soulful renditions of Bhajans. Accompanying Mukti Shri were accomplished artists including Pt. Yogesh Samsi on Tabla, Nagesh Adgaonkar handling Vocals, Abhishek Shinkar on Harmonium, Sandeep Kulkarni playing the Flute, and Anvee Shri contributing to Padhant.
The event was skillfully moderated by Gauri Lagoo.
