An ode to Nataraj

Hindustani classical is a form of Vedic art whether it is music or performing arts and thus has such a deep melody that has the power to create harmony in a person's life. Irrespective of whether one is an expert or a layman, one can enjoy the art forms and benefit from it.  

Believing the same, Raja and Radha Reddy, renowned personas in the facet of Kuchipudi indulge in festivals where they invite artists practicing diverse art forms to unite and a create a unique gathering. After the grand success of our 22nd  “Parampara Series” - The National festival of Music and  Dance last year we embarked on our journey of yet another Annual Festival, “Maha Shivaratri”  in Ode of Lord Shiva — the creator of Dance. Natya Tarangini and Raja-Radha Reddy and Kaushalya Reddy commenced with yet another series of their Annual Festival - ‘Maha Shivaratri’ with an intention to bring artists and art lovers together to give their offering to Lord Shiva. Artistes for the evening and eminent names like Pandit Rajan and Sajan Misra, Swapnokalpa Dasgupta, the duo Hari and Chethana, Amrita Lahiri.

After the program, an open chitchat with some of the stars of the evening reveals a lot about what and what not to expect from art contemporary industry and ambitious practioners.

Rajan and Sajan Mishra

On his thought of whether movies give exposure to classical music or do they ruin the purity of the music form Pt. Misra says, “Not at all. Songs that are based upon classical are still very relevant and popular.  So many films, which have classical songs, are soothing compared to others.” A musical duo that have been together for more than past 70 years, always adore each other. They feel that they have never had a clash because they don't even think of competing with each other. Instead they believe that they always have been complimenting each other.  

Classical music has undergone speculation many a times. But, in the last 20 years what exactly has changed about the music form? Answering to which Rajan firmly shares, “The tradition is the same. But, it has been popularised more than what it was 20 years ago. I’m very happy to say that the younger generation is very talented and is indeed keen to learn classical music.”

Sarengi, Sarod and Sitar are Rajan Misra’s favourite musical instuments of all time as he believes that their tune can come a lot closer human lives. But when it comes to fusion, such instruments with the western ones, he smilingly says, “Some are very good and some are creating confusion.”

Hari and Chethana

Swapnokalpa Dasgupta, another star Odissi performer of the evening, also willingly shares about her life, expectations and how proud she feels to be practising Indian classical for more than decades now. She says, “If I keep my belongings lying on the floor disrespectfully then everyone will trample it as they walk. They will not show any respect to me belongings because I am not respecting it. But if I pick it up and place it respectfully everyone around will automatically know that this is of importance and would start respecting it. I am a proud Indian. My dances are mine. If I respect it everyone will. If I don't they will not. I create the value for my belongings.”

“Practising any form of art brings us closer to that moment where we are nearest to ourselves. There is nothing in between. When I dance, I am with myself. And in me is the divine power with which I connect,” she adds about how dance can bring one close to the divine. Swapnokalpa, who is also known for her dance therapies, share, “Dance helps us know and express ourselves better. Dance therapy thus has the power to connect us from within and outside.”

Family support is something that one wishes for when deciding to take up  any profession. The Odissi dancer is a lucky one in this matter of fact, “I grew up in a family where I was inspired to take up dance professionally. I was taught to look away from the rat race and immerse myself in this beautiful art form. I am grateful to my parents who believed I would be able to fulfill their dream.”

A cultural conclave that is not only pleasurable to the soul, but can educate and emulsify one to become a greater one. It has been proven earlier and is proven once again.