Mohanrao K for Kallianpurkar - a lesser known strapping man of Kathak, on whom a well-researched book by Guru Shama Bhate and arts activist Arshiya Sethi has just been published by Sterling. He strode tall, figuratively, artistically and literally. Student of Shama tai and polyglot, Shilpa Bhide has strung the tale together, ably. The book is a delight for dance buffs, especially Kathak ones.
Art is beyond borders or caste. First be an artiste (all through the book artist without an e ending has been used, again very American, because by convention one uses artist for fine arts and with an e at end, for performing) than be anything else. That's what my mother M.K. Saroja taught me. Having just lost her 2 weeks ago (June 13), I was not up to writing any column but this one is 20 years old (my association with narthaki, through various avatars/ columns) and one lesson mother leaves us with is: WORK IS WORSHIP. Jo kaam liya woh pura karo -Professional commitment.
Negative / objectionable and anonymous comments will be removed. Pl provide your name and email id along with your comment
Sarojaji was a great inspiration for many of us in France. On stage she projected a striking and vivid energy of love and devotion. She was all generosity, ready to share her art as well as her family life with you if your involvement proved sincere. In my early years in India she was a welcoming and encouraging force that kept doubts and hesitations away. She taught me a mantra that has been and will be with me all the way. For ever grateful. Rest in Peace beautiful soul.
ReplyDelete7 decades of teaching and getting bharatnatyam on the global stage and creating a future for dance through her children and having the first male student from the north creating a huge (unheard of in this era and age) memorabilia of dance over time be her partner .... A Padma Shri is a small recognition 🙇🏻♂️🙇🏻♂️🙏🏽🌹💕💕💕
ReplyDeleteI am blessed to have had her blessings
Her entire life put across so beautifully in one article. Only a loving son could have done justice to it . So well written Asishji. What an amazing woman !!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏
ReplyDelete