A new take on Bharatnatyam

The mere mention of Bharatnatyam will evoke images of sculpturesque poses and vivid expression of emotions, of dancers swaying to rhythmic Carnatic music. However, young and dynamic Bharatnatyam dancer Shashrek Ambardar lends a refreshing touch to one of India's most-loved classical art forms by attempting a unique synthesis between Carnatic and Hindustani music styles.

Choreographed by renowned danseuse and actress Sindhu Mishra, and performed solo by her young disciple Ambardar, the recital is in Hindi and offers a unique synthesis between two different musical forms.

"We are hopeful that this unique experiment will be loved and appreciated by the people. I thank our troupe and my guru for giving me this opportunity," said Ambardar, who has been learning Bharatnatyam for the past 14 years. While not foregoing his passion for dance, Ambardar plans to take up policymaking in the future.

A student of Economics at Delhi University, Ambardar was conferred with the National Balshree Honour in 2009.

Explaining the unique features of the dance recital, Mishra said she and her team have worked tremendously hard on this recital to offer something different and enchanting to lovers of classical Indian dance.

"This recital is different for its unique amalgamation of Hindustani and Carnatic music not just in rhythms but also in vocals. The vocal renditions are in both Hindustani and Carnatic, and this lends a unique blend to the traditional South Indian dance form," she said.

The entire Varnam displays the Sringar Ras of the Nayak (and not the Nayaki), depicted through the episode where Rama has a glimpse of Sita for the first time in a garden before the Dhanush Yagya," she said.

Presented by Aayam Cultural Society, the performance will take place on Friday at 6 pm at LTG Auditorium, Mandi House.

While Delhi Culture Minister Kapil Mishra will be the chief guest at the performance, it will be attended by Sonal Mansingh, and other veteran artists including Raja Reddy, Bhajan Sopori and Bharti Shivaji.