And enchanting Sitar Badan by Niladri Kumar
It was the fourth evening of the 20th GKCM Award Festival organised by the Srjan at the Rabindra Mandap here on Monday that showcased a beautiful blend of traditional repertoire and innovative compositions featuring eminent Kathak dancer Prashant Shah and renowned sitar player Niladri Kumar.
Shah began his performance with a Meera Bhajan in praise of Krishna Mharo Pranam followed by Nritta Aakar based in Teen Tal, a pure dance segment in contrasting the beauty of stillness and speed, subtlety and strength.
His next item was Ghazal Hamara Dil Savere ka Sunhara Jaam based on love, passion, beauty as well as social issues. Shah’s last presentation was Dhrut laya with Jugalbandhi. He was accompanied by Joby Joy on tabla and Praher Vora on vocal and harmonium.
The intricacies of Shah’s foot movements with amazing skill and dexterity enthralled the audience. Shah’s performance displayed wonderful contrasts, with moments of sharp clarity.
Spinning, he seemed caught up in a whirlwind, looking down upon the audience from a cloud. Niladri Kumar presented different musical notes with melody in Rag-Anandikalyan set to Tal-Rupak, Drut-Tintal, Madhyallaya-Ektal, Gat-Allap, Jood, Jhala and Gat, etc. His composition and improvisation of the essence and spirit of Rag with syllables and song-phrases were orchestrated flawlessly which engrossed the music lovers who enjoyed the programme till the end. He was accompanied by tabla player Guru Satyajit Talwalkar.