Classical treat for dance lovers

SD Sharma

Chandigarh, May 23

The grandeur, solemnity and spiritual sanctity of Banaras gharana Kathak dance came alive during a splendid performance by world-renowned young Banaras gharana Kathak virtuoso Vishal Krishna providing a grand finale to the three-day long 'Yuva Sangeet Utsav' organised by the Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi in collaboration with the NZCC, Patiala, at Tagore Theatre here on Wednesday.

Carrying forward the rich legacy of illustrious grandmother Sitara Devi, the Bollywood Kathak queen, talented Vishal, hailed as the torchbearer of Banaras gharana, commenced the recital with a vandana 'Devi Sarveshwary Bhagvati Gange' as a laudation to holy river, he delineated the fundamental Kathak syllables like tode, tukde, parans, tihais, gat nikas and more. He was, however, at his best as he displayed the minute nuances and intricate dance patterns of Banaras ghrana in the Abhinaya segment, enacting the episode of Lord Krishna appearing in the guise of a dancing peacock, apparently to please his divine consort Radha.

Supported very ably by his brother Kushal Krishna, the star dancer frequently entered into jugalbandis before dancing on a brass plate and creating whispering sound with his ghungroos while dancing straight to the hearts of audience.

Kathak guru Shobha Koser and Dr Saubhagya Vardhan honoured the artistes. CSNA chairman Kamal Arora expressed gratitude to young maestros and audience.