The classic music and dance lovers witnessed a splendid performance of a noted Kathak dancer Vishal Krishna, and the kathak dancers of Kadamb Academy, Centre for Dance and Music, Ahmadabad here on Friday at Antrang Hall, Bharat Bhavan. It was a part of the inaugural ceremony or 33rd anniversary of Bharat Bhavan.
Vishal Krishna is a promising young exponent of the Benaras gharana. Born in 1991, he is the great grandson of the late Sukhdeo Maharaj (the founder of the Benaras gharana) and the grandson of the eminent dancer, Sitara Devi. His energetic performance and early proficiency in the mathematical aspects of Kathak have mesmerized the audiences at the show. He began his performance with ‘Shiv Aradhana’. After that, he presented traditional composition of his gharana in 16 maatra wonderfully, won hug round of applause from kathak lovers.
He refined the dramatic and rhythmic aspects, delighting audiences with the performance over rhythm and the stylized presentation. He was accompanied by Kaushal Krishna on table, Shakti Mishra on vocal, Anshuman Mehra on sarod, and Mohan Krishna on Parhant. Further, a unique Kathak performance mesmerised the audience after Vishal Krishna’s performance. The performance was presented by Kadamb Academy, Centre for Dance and Music, Ahmadabad. The Kathak dance is choreographed by a noted Kathak dancer and choreographer of Indian classical dance Kumudini lakhia.
Kumudini lakhia, an Indian Kathak dancer and choreographer hails from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, where she founded Kadamb School of Dance and Music, an institute of Indian dance and music in 1967. A pioneer in contemporary Kathak dance, she is credited for moving away from the solo form of Kathak starting in the early sixties, by turning it into a group spectacle and also innovations like taking away traditional stories and adding contemporary storylines into Kathak repertoire.
Her choreographies are appreciated across the world. Bringing new innovations in the classical dance form, Kumudini and her compositions have created a different impact over the classical dance lovers. Kumudini’s disciples have become world renowned performers in Kathak dance. A composition ‘Shyam Saloni Bolan Na Jane’, mesmerised the audience. They also presented ‘Tarana’ in Raag ‘Darwari’. The evening turned out to be the wonderful experience for the audience as the performers beautifully presented the unique compositions. The audience watched their performance with rapt attention.