A tribute to Shovana Narayan

To pay homage to renowned Kathak dancer Shovana Narayan, her disciples are all set to present selected pieces of the danseuse's repertoire along with pure dance pieces in traditional Kathak style in an upcoming event to take ahead the "Guru-Shishya Parampara".

Dancers Shruti G. Chandra, Supriya Sathe, Mrinalini and Kartika Singh will present the selected pieces on October 10 and October 12 at 6.30 p.m. at India International Centre, here.

In this two day event, four disciples of the eminent Guru will present Kathak in its pure traditional style. Each one will perform an item from Narayan's repertoire as a tribute and a celebration of the Guru-Shishya Parampara.

The festival will begin with an invocatory item Ganga Stuti. Shruti G. Chandra will present "Yashodhara" -- a much performed and loved item of her Guru.

Chandra described "Yashodhara" as a trademark of Narayan's repertoire.

"Yashodhara" is a poem by Maithili Sharan Gupt wherein the wife of Gautama Buddha -- Yashodhara -- laments the stealing away of Buddha in the night without telling her.

Supriya Sathe will perform "Chaand" -- another trademark of the Kathak maestro, while Kartika Singh will portray the anguish of Draupadi.

"It is a great honour to be a part of a festival that is a homage to my guru, she has not only taught me how to dance but has been a guide and inspiration in all spheres of life," Sathe said.

"For my performance will bring across a look at the moon from three different perspectives. The poet, struck by the beauty of the moonlight, a child, who wants it for toy and a mother for whom it is a lullaby," she added.

Singh, who is performing one of the most sought after pieces -- Draupadi Cheer Haran, said: "Through three different scenes, the bhajan depicts Lord Krishna in various stages of his life. The naughty and playful bal krishna, teasing the gopis at the river banks, captivating them with the sound of his flute."

Mrinalini will perform to a much loved ghazal of the danseuse.

"Guru shishya parampara is a powerful driving force. Celebrating this tradition by dancing for her, one of her creations that I've grown up watching, is only a small expression of gratitude but certainly my most treasured experience so far," Mrinalini said adding: "I hope the festival translates our emotions through our dance so that the audience can soak in the brilliance of what it's like to be part of this journey."

--IANS

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