Kathak exponent Uma Sharma regularly conducts mehfils and draws strength from the direct connection with the audience, fellow artistes and the youth, says Suman Doonga
Kathak exponent Uma Sharma has been inspiring generations with her traditional Indian classical music and dance through abhinaya and gayaki for many years. Her ever-present smile, flowing long hair and lively eyes make her a presence on stage.
Born in Delhi in 1942 to a family that settled here from Dholpur in Rajasthan, she lived a life full of challenges, overcoming them with a quiet dignity. At a time when people were sceptical about dance as profession, her father, a Sanskrit scholar, encouraged her to follow her dreams. Her devotion was evident as a child when she used to make garlands for her hero, lord Krishna. Even today Sharma re-creates the Maharaas leela during Sharad Purnima at laxmi Narayan Temple every year.
Her profound contribution to the cultural tradition of this country is reflected in the numerous national awards that have honoured her — Padma Bhushan (2001), Padma Shree (1973), the Sangeet Natak Academy Award and the Delhi Sahitya Kala Parishad Award.
The woman behind the Swami Haridas-Tansen Sangeet Nritya Mahotsava music festival enjoys mehfils and draws strength from the direct connection with the audience and artists. Sharma has used the event to feature leadings artists in an attempt to familiarise the younger generation with the vitality of Indian classical music and dance.
The danseuse has developed her own unique style that enthralls the audience with facial improvisations and gestures. She is known to deliver masterful performances by spontaneously stepping on stage without any rehearsals. Combining the traditional raga of Vrindavan with classical kathak is one of her many contributions to the art form. Sharma has also introduced famous Sanskrit, Hindi and Urdu poets like Ghalib, Kaifi Azmi, Neeraj, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Meera, Raskhan, Tulsidas, Surdas and Kalidas into her work successfully. Of course, Tagore has had an influence on her.
In her younger days, she was trained by Guru Hiralalji and Girvar Dayal of the Jaipur gharana, Shambhu MaharajJi of the lucknow gharana and subsequently Sunder Prasad of Jaipur. Apart from being an accomplished dancer, she is also an excellent teacher and believes that if one is passionate, then one can learn dancing at any age. She has been running her own Bhartiya Sangeet Sadan classical dance and music academy. A short tete-a-tete:
You inspire so many young people today, what is your source of inspirationIJ
My parents are my biggest inspiration along with my elder sister Rama, an exceptional dancer known for her powerful thematic content and artistic presentation. God has been my driving force and lord Hanuman my strength. I want the younger generation to understand the poetry of Surdas and Ghalib; their rich legacy is so relatable.
What is your weaknessIJ
I don’t know about weakness but I am a blunt and clear-hearted person and I think that makes me unpopular sometimes.
What does Uma Sharma like to do in her free timeIJ
I savour a good Indian meal like Bedmi puri kachori, aloo ki sabji with moong dal halwa the most. Pottery and painting are my other passions. I was a creative child; I studied in St Thomas School in New Delhi, was a very average student but was an outstanding dancer even in school. I graduated from lady Sri Ram College where I was elected president of its cultural society.
Is there someone whose work you look up toIJ
I look up to thumri of Naina Devi and Shambhu Maharaj of the lucknow gharana. I always remember them during my performances and talks. I compose my dances myself. I am a lover of ghazals and Urdu and my favourite writer is Ghalib.
Any memorable performanceIJ
Once I performed a duet with my friend Yamini Krishnamurthy in a jugalbandi of Bharatnatyam and Kathak. This was greatly appreciated by the audience as a creative and experimental performance. I recollect my fondest memories of receiving chocolates and sweets after my performances at Pt Nehru’s birthday parties. I was just 14 then.