Kathak odyssey melting into generations

SD Sharma

Chandigarh, September 2

From the treasure of the Hindustani classical dances, the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), Patiala, in collaboration with the Pracheen Kala Kendra, organised a Jaipur Gharana kathak dance concert under the series, “Virasat”, at Tagore Theatre on Sunday.

The concert featured Jaipur Gharana kathak guru Susmita Roy, her daughter Kajal Misra and granddaughters Trina Roy, a postgraduate in environmental science, and Saberi Misra.

The programme started on a spiritual note with “Shiva stotram” before the accomplished dancers described fundamental syllables of kathak, including thaats, uthaan, bol bani and gat bhav in the ambit of teen tal, in slow pace (vilambat), which melted into the faster tempo (drut lya), all composed and immortalised by kathak legends Pt Jailalji and Pt Ramgopal Misra.

Kajal Misra presented a soulful bhajan, “Maharo parnam Banke bihari”, before all maestros presented nritya in drut teen tal. The quartet also presented Durga vandana, “Jai jai Durge Bhavani”. It was a treat to watch them in perfect synchronisation with agile footwork. Guru Susmita Misra’s son Pt Rajkumar Misra supported on tabla besides Pratip Banerjee on vocal and harmonium, and Sunando Mukherjee on sarod.

Prof Saubhagya Vardhan, Director, NZCC, Patiala, Introducing the concept of the “Virasat” series disclosed that it aimed at showcasing how the style, grace, elegance and energy of kathak had been flowing smoothly through generations in families of the Jaipur Gharana artistes.

The low footfall is a matter of concern for such an incredible classical dance performance while the mini-auditorium of the Tagore Theatre was packed to capacity, where a Hindi play was being staged at the same time.