From sensual to spiritual, the performances at the tenth edition of Saare Jahan Se Achcha will give connoisseurs plenty to reflect upon. Noted Odissi dancer Ranjana Gauhar shares with Ila Sankrityayan a few highlights of the event
We catch Ranjana Gauhar in between rehearsals busy as she is with her annual festival which has, over the years, developed as a perfect platform for artists of different classical dance forms from various parts of the country. Conceptualised by the Odissi exponent, the content is as mystical as the goal.
“On the first day, there will be an Odissi dance production titled Matsya Avatar by my students, a Kathak solo recital by the young Sarita Kalele, who is the disciple of Guru Uma Dogra, a Bharatanatyam solo performance by Bengaluru-based Shubha Dhananjay and a group performance of Kathak by her disciples. On the closing day of the festival, the renowned artist of the Northeast, Sharodi Saikia, will lead a group performance of Sattriya which is a dance form of Assam. That will be followed by a solo Odissi presentation by Rajashri Praharaj, a Mohiniyattam duet by Guru Bharati Shivaji’s disciples, and Manipuri group performance by the artists of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, Imphal,” says Gauhar.
“The motive to create such a platform was to pay tribute to those great personalities, nation-builders, soldiers and martyrs, who have fought to gain independence for us and who initiated the process of development the fruits of which we enjoy. Being an artist, the only way I can best pay homage to them is through dance. Utsav brings us all under the same umbrella, artists from different classical dance styles, who come from diverse backgrounds and regions of the nation, yet carry the same spirit of national unity, come together and perform at the festival. Classical art forms are an integral part of the nation’s culture that give us a unique identity and boosts national unity,” shares the acclaimed dancer.
What makes Saare Jahan Se Achcha unique is that it welcomes both young and established and artists with equal pleasure. “We also have an annual festival titled Unbound Beats of India that largely showcases talents of foreign artists who are accomplished dancers in the Indian classical art forms, along with young classical dancers of our country,” adds Gauhar.
She wants to take Saare Jahan Se Achcha beyond Delhi, to other parts of the country as well. “We would like to take this festival to other parts of India but funding such an event of national stature requires liberal sponsorship support,” says the artist.