As a part of the NCPA Mumbai Dance Season 2024, Lakshita Dance Festival was organised by Bharatanatyam exponent Namita Bodaji on 23rd Jan 2024, featuring Bharatanatyam and Kathak performances.
Guru Shila Mehta and her disciples from Nupur Zankar Academy of Performing Arts and Research Centre presented traditional Kathak pieces ranging from Thumri to Shiva Stuti.
The evening opened with Shiva Stuti in Jhaptaal, which was performed as a duet by Mansi Somaiya and Sumana Sachidananda. It was an energetic piece with fast- paced rhythmic compositions and lucid imagery of Lord Shiva as Mahadev, Mahabali, Bholenath, and Ardhanareeshwara. The original musical composition by Dagar brothers is a majestic one in Raag Adana, and transports the listener into a trance from the very first note. The stunning choreography by Shila Mehta explored the various facets of Shiva such as Ardha Nareeshwar, Nataraj, Pashupati, and Aadi- Anta, through riveting Ladis, powerful Bandishes and expressive Tihais. The striking Sams/ poses of the dancers along with their spirited movements proved to form a great start to the evening.
This was followed by a duet by Krutika Sawant and Aishvari Joshi, on the Paaramparik composition- Niratat Dhang. This very popular piece by Maharaj Bindadin, describes the sheer beauty of Lord Krishna whose very stance is mesmerizing. He prances and dances around with the Gopis in Vrindavan. As the cool breeze wafts the scent of fragrant flowers, and Krishna’s melodious flute plays on the banks of Yamuna, the Gopis cannot contain their joy. The dancers portrayed the Haav Bhaav of Radha and Krishna, with lively Tihais and graceful Thaats. Pt. Birju Maharajji’s music composition has incorporated several nritta elements to this piece, while keeping the emotion of devotion alive. The dancers depicted Maakhan chor, Govardhan leela, Gaay charaana and many other aspects of Krishna’s life, very convincingly. It was a soothing and uplifting experience to watch this wonderful presentation.
After the disciples had presented their pieces, the Shila ascended the stage to deliver a breathtaking performance. She presented the traditional repertoire of Kathak, beginning with a lilting Bhajan- Jaagiye Raghunath Kunwar by Sant Tulsidas. Resonating with the national sentiment of Jai Shri Ram, this was a fitting offering to Lord Ram and the several Sants who have extolled His virtues through centuries.
Opening with a Shloka on the Sun god who marks his presence at dawn- Aadi Dev Namastubhyam Praseeda Mama Bhaaskara…. Indicating it is time to wake the little child Shriram from His slumber. The detailed description of how nature welcomes the sunrise- from the birds chirping, the gentle breeze, the leaves rustling & the lotus blooming, to the bees humming…Every element could be experienced by the audience as a result of Shila’s flawless abhinaya. When little Shriram finally opens His eyes, the immense joy could be felt by all.
The pure dance piece included Upaj, Thaat, a Sita Apaharan Tihai and powerful Bandishes. Shila kept the audience hooked with her innovative, spontaneous rhythmic compositions and poetic Ang.
She concluded with a splendid presentation of Maharaj Bindadin’s Thumri- Mohe Chedo na Nand ke… Which is a traditional composition exploring the loving Chhed- Chhad between Radha and Krishna.
Shila was accompanied ably by Somnath Mishra (vocal) and by Vivek & Amit Mishra (Tabla).
