Blending mythology with modernity

SD Sharma

Chandigarh, August 11

Epitomising grace, elegance and sophistication of kathak, world-acclaimed kathak maestro Padma Shri recipient Dr Shovana Narayan and her disciples enthralled the audience on day-two of the ongoing NZCC Classical and Contemporary Dance Festival at Tagore Theatre on Saturday. She designed and choreographed all presentations of her repertoire titled ‘Namamey Hai Hara’, weaved into Indian mythology by blending modern sensibilities with spirituality.

Opening up with ‘Bho Shambo’, a laudation to Lord Shiva by her disciples Shovana, made a delightful appearance in ‘Hari Hara’ represented through the unity of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva as different aspects of the same ultimate reality called the ‘Brahma’ through kathak ‘nritta’ syllables like tode, tukde and parans.

However, she was at her best in the ‘abhinya’ portion ‘Gokul Mein Hari-Har’ with her adroit mastery and technical virtuosity over dance mudras, emotional expressions, and footwork when Lord Shiva arrives to see ‘bal swaroop’ of Lord Krishna, incarnation of Lord Vishnu. She danced straight to the heart of the audience. She repeated her excellence while staging ‘Budham Sharnam Gachhami’ and more items.

Chief guest Prof Kaptan Singh Solanki, Governor, Haryana, lauded the efforts of the NZCC and its director Dr Saubhgya Vardhan, for promoting the Indian cultural heritage.

Lending spiritual tinge

Kathak maestro and Padma Shri recepient Dr Shovana Narayan choreographed all presentations of her repertoire titled “Namamey Hai Hara”. She began with a laudation to Lord Shiva and showed her excellence while staging “Budham Sharnam Gachhami”.