Chennai is an experience; Madras was an emotion!
Growing up in the 1970s of my motherland Madras in Mylapore-Luz then Mandaveli area of Madras, one felt one was on a holiday. Few cars on the road; endless shopping and temples abound. Add the charm of Foreshore Estate empty beach, smiling faces, courteous and curious, looking at us aliens from North India with smart clothes and even footwear! Yes, most locals wore no chapals as they had to take it off often since every other metre or two there was a little koil - a statue of Ganapati or Meenakshi or Kamakshi or Elakshi.
Fast forward to today: One can't even walk on the roads, leave alone cross it easily. Shopping is a serious business now and many temples too have become shops: pay extra, get priority darshan! Trust us Indians to evolve systems the rest of the world can't even think of.
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I am Rajni Rao , a curator of adaptive form ‘Kathakatyam’ .
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed lovely to know such production is given a thought to create in reality with kathak in South India . A staunch southinian by heart brought up in North I can sense each word mentioned about the artist. Lovely to know .best wishes Anna
A detailed description of such a wonderful festival. The way it is described one can actually visualize most of what happened there. India and its artists are producing amazing productions.. Thought provoking, culturally and mythological rich as well as esthetically beautiful. Kudos to the author to write such an article and enlighten so many others in India as well as abroad, of such festivals!
ReplyDeleteThis article starts so well with memories of old Madras! Reminds me of one of Devaniya’s compositions on Mahakavi Bharatiyar’s paayum oli nee ennaku….
ReplyDeleteI know how in the early years of Devaniya we also did receive some healthy criticism right here in ‘dance matters’ - and surely that helped us introspect, learn and grow…. Slowly but surely - a step at a time.
To receive words of appreciation for our work is a matter of affirmation that we are moving in the right direction.
All God’s grace🙏
When a great river gushes with abundance,
it is but natural that it forks out into tributaries that take a course of their own,
carrying the same water of the mighty source.
Devaniya’s commitment to cross cultural synergy is the base of its changing course from the mighty river - the expansive canvas of Kathak.
And moving South, it has gained its own unique momentum, retaining always the original flavour of Kathak, the classical dance form of North India.
May the guidance of great scholars, and legends always be with Devaniya 🙏
Namaskarams Ashish ji!!! 🙏
Dear Ashish Sir,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this generous and beautifully articulated review. It is an honour to be part of Jigyasa ma'am' s vision and to bring these timeless characters to life through Kathak.
Your words truly encourage us to continue exploring, growing, and serving the art with sincerity and strength. We are grateful for your presence, your keen eye, and your appreciation.
With love and respect,
Priya
Beautifully penned article..describes everything so vividly that we are literally transported to that space.
ReplyDeletePurbita Mukherjee, Mumbai
I missed the show and only managed to catch a few recordings, but your article truly paints a vivid word-picture! I’ve had the privilege of witnessing Devaniya’s journey, as Jigyasa's student and it has been nothing short of inspiring. From a thought to blossoming as the Dakshin Gharana of Kathak - the dedication of the Guru and her senior Teachers ..Your piece beautifully captures the story of a single flame, lovingly nurtured, now glowing brightly through countless budding talents.
ReplyDeleteSincerely Thanks to Ashish Ji on his views, lecture and knowledge shared at the event and also through the article
ReplyDeleteAs a student of Devaniya, it gave us great pride, joy and humility to host renowned artistes in a glorious stage!
Here’s to more collaboration and breaking boundaries in a beautiful city of Art!
Thanks Ashishji for your detailed review. I had the wonderful opportunity to view the glory of the three day dance festival, ‘Mahal’ in all its glory. - Priya
ReplyDelete