Hema Malini practising dance with Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra at her residence
Pic: Rane Ashish
Hema Malini played the perfect student. Odissi legend Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, the benign teacher.
Obeying his instructions, she matched steps with the Guruji at the rehearsals.
Hema Malini as the angry Radha chided Krishna, enacted by Guruji.
Krishna tried to save face and explain where he had spent the night. Radha, however, was in no mood to listen.
Hema Malini normally gives solo dance recitals or with daughters Esha and Ahana. Now, for the first time she shares the stage with another dancer Guruji himself.
The duo will enact scenes from Jayadevs Geet Govind as the grand finale of the show. It will be preceeded with solo recitals by Hema Malini, Guruji as well as his son Rathikant and daughter-in-law Sujata.
This unique concert will be held at the Nehru Centre on January 16 at 6.45 pm.
It has been organised by Vineeta Sinha and Neeru Sabharwal of the Andheri-based Deeksha Academy of Classical Dance and Music.
This is in the fifth in their series of Samagan concerts, which have previously had shows of Hema Malini along with Esha and Ahana, Mrinalani, Mallika and Anahita Sarabhai, besides Shubha Mudgal. While taking a pause from their rehearsals, the Guruji and his star student spell out what it means to perform together.
Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra
Discussing nuances: Hema Malini with Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra
I have known Hema Malini as an actress and seen several of her films. For me, this concert is a great moment as I will be sharing space with a talented and beautiful dancer who is an equally talented actress.
Even though I tour a lot and am busy with my performances and workshops, I made it a point to take time out for this concert. What I like most about her is her commitment to dance.
A couple of years ago when I was in Mumbai, I made it a point to attend her concert performance at the Tata Theatre. She was brilliant. I did not tell her that I was attending the show nor did I get a chance to meet her later. I only wanted to see her as a dancer, not as an actress. I am happy that both her daughters are interested in dance and that too in Odissi.
Hema Malini
Whatever Guruji may say, it is actually a matter of honour for me to perform along with him. He is a legend in his own right. Even though I am into Bharat Natyam, Guruji has greatly influenced me for this concertprobably the Odissi steps will dominate. I have seen Guruji perform several times and each show of his teaches me something new.
He has this great eye for detail. About eight years ago he was performing at a concert in Mulund. I landed up there and he was surprised to see me.
The most enriching experience for me was to visit his dance institute Srujan in Orissa. I have been a chief guest, as well as performed at its annual festival which draws big names.
