Kathak experts Praveen Gangani, Mukesh Gangani, Kalpana Verma and vocalist Fareed Hasan will take inspiration from nature for their performance at Azad Bhawan tomorrow. They spoke to Iknoor Kaur about highlighting lesser-known features of traditional Indian dances
Be it Carnatic music of Bharatanatyam, the drama of Kathakali, the moves of Odissi or the tales of Kathak, Indian dances are known worldwide for their distinct features. But most of us have limited knowledge of them. This is one of the reasons that Indian Council for Cultural Relations along with Sangeet Natak Academy and Kalahetu decided to bring under one umbrella all the dance forms. The programme titled Windows into Indian Dance at Azad Bhawan tomorrow will feature artists like Mukesh Gangani, who will perform with his father, Praveen, Kalpana Verma will perform solo Kathak with her group and later do a special act with vocalist Fareed Hasan.
Kalpana Verma commented, “In a society which is moving away from classic forms, we want to help in whatever way we can. Windows into Indian Dance helps in drawing the younger generation towards Indian classical dances. This time we are focussing on the Mughal era with Kathak. Other series that will follow feature Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Manipuri and Kathakali. The programme will provide information on all these dance forms.”
The theme of the show will be nature. The evening will begin with Praveen Gangani and Mukesh Gangani doing Kathak. The father-son duo told us about their performance. “I will do a solo and my father will be on Paran. I will do the Shiv Stuti and after that — Thaat, Aamad, Parmelu and Tihai. The entire dance has been choreographed by Praveen ji,” said Mukesh and Praveen added, “We will look at nature through different mudras. We kept the monsoon in mind. I will give Mukesh direction and he will dance.”
Kalpana will perform on two numbers. The first one is called Bahaar, which is an Urdu couplet. Here she will be accompanied by the dancers from her group. She explained, “The dancers will be the characters of Bahaar who will come with the promise of beauty. There will also be a contradictory mood — the same bahaar without the presence of God is of no use.”
She will also present a solo performance on the song Apne Hi Rang Mein Rang le, sung by Fareed. He elaborated, “I will sing raga Bageshwar and raga Chandni Kedar. We are doing this keeping Ramzan in mind. It is Hazrat Amir Khusro’s work and I have mixed it with my own essence.” This song sung by Fareed was also featured in the film I Don’t luv U.
The four of them will also be performing individually after the event. Mukesh is at present preparing for a scholarship while Kalpana will be involved in a project with Ragmantra Foundation. Fareed will perform in Mumbai.