Here's a mashup with a desi twist ufffd internationally acclaimed Kathak maestro Pandit Chitresh Das will collaborate with the best Indian classical percussionists for Dynamic Feet -- Dynamic Rhythm, a rhythm and dance-based event
Here's a mashup with a desi twistu00a0-- internationally acclaimed Kathak maestro Pandit Chitresh Das will collaborate with the best Indian classical percussionists for dynamic feet - dynamic rhythm, a rhythm and dance-based event
"Taiyari (preparation), Laykari (speed), Khoobsurati (beauty) and Nazaakat (gracefulness) are the four elements of Kathak," said Pandit Chitresh Das with a stern expression, a few moments into our conversation. As time went by, we realised that this Kathak maestro, whose demeanour is much like an old-school guru, is also extremely energetic and jovial at the age of 66. His passion for the dance is evident and his students promise that his performance at the NCPA today, will be full of energy.
Yogesh Shamsi, Hindustani Classical percussionist
The performance titled Dynamic Feet - Dynamic Rhythm features musicians Yogesh Samsi (Tabla) and Bhawani Shankar (Pakawaj) representing Hindustani Classical music and N Ramakrishnan (Mridangam) and Venkatasubramaniam (Ghatam) for Carnatic music. They will showcase their talentsu00a0 along with Jayanta Banerjee (Sitar) and Debasis Sarkar (vocal), they will also accompany Pandit Das as he moves his feet to their taal. Pandit Das will present Hindustani Kathaku00a0 asu00a0 well as Carnatic Kathak. There will also be a jugalbandi between the two. "Rhythm is universal. It knows no language. We all become one at the end," explains Das.
Yogesh Samsi, who is trained under Ustad Alla Rakha and has played with Tabla giants like Zakir Hussain, says this kind of performance is unique. "I am doing this for the first time. It is a unique experiment," he says. Samsi adds that a lot of Hindustani music is about improvisation on stage. So, the audience will witness the musicians challenge the dancer and the dancer challenge the musicians on stage. "It is going to be very exciting and a bit of a challenge for all of us," he adds.
Das started learning dance at the age of nine and his love and passion for Kathak is evident in everything he does. He trained under Pandit Ram Narayan Misra in both the Lucknow and the Jaipur Gharana giving him an expertise in grace, strength and speed. We got a live demonstration of his proficiency in Laykari (speed), when the guru energetically leapt into actionu00a0-- playing the tabla, dancing, reciting the bol (words) and singing all at the same time. This, we were told, was a just a glimpse of his unique innovation called Kathak Yoga. The dance form was recently published as the subject of a doctoral dissertation at Harvard University.
"Yog means the union of the body, mind and spirit," explains Das's student Charlotte Moraga. Kathak Yoga attempts to do just that, by engaging all the senses of the body. So, while the dancer performs, he also sings, says the bol and keeps track of the laya (tempo) and taal (beat). "With every single sense completely engaged, the dancer reaches a meditative state," adds Moraga.
On: Today, 7 pm
At: Tata Theatre, NCPA, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point.
Tickets: Rs 800, Rs 600 and Rs 400
Call: 22824567 / 66223724
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