The second day of the GKCM Award Festival was a beautiful blend of traditional repertoire and innovative compositions featuring eminent Kathak dancer Deepak Maharaj and renowned Hindustani vocalist Ulhas Kashalkar accompanied by tabla player Suresh Talwalkar.
Deepak Maharaj, son of Pandit Birju Maharaj, started the evening’s Kathak repertoire with the cosmic dancer Siva as Ardhanariswar followed by a pure dance in Tin Tal with 16 beats. His concluding item was an Abhinaya on Khandita Nayika based on Thumuri Tori Me Na Manungi. Brilliantly performed, the Abhinaya depicted love with sensuous charm blending sulkiness of separation.
The intricacies of his foot movement with amazing skill and dexterity enthralled the audience. The second programme of the evening was Hindustani vocal recital by eminent singer Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar. His first rendition was Bilambita Tiliwada in Rag Behag with Tarana in Drut Tintal followed by another Bandish Kaise Bijari Chamka set to Rag Kafi and Tal Tintal. His concluding song was set to Rag Vairabi Tal Tintal much to the appreciation of the Rasikas. He regaled the audience with his mellifluous voice. He was accompanied by tabla player Pandit Suresh Talwalkar. The dignitaries who graced the occasion included Guru Ratikant Mohapatra, Director of Srjan, which has been sposoring the five-day annual event. The programme was compered by Srinivas Ghatuari.