Senior Artistes Enchant
@Tarang Ratna 2018
Tarang Ratna 2018 organised by takshashila nrityakala mandir under the supervision of Kashmira Trivedi witnessed some amazing Indian classical dance performances at Upvan Amphitheatre in Thane, Maharashtra on October 27.
Twelve performers of Indian Classical dances have taken part in the festival conceptualised by Kashmira Trivedi. Tarang Ratna is a fitting name for the artistes who were shining like diamonds with their years of experience and dedication towards the art form. The lineup had artistes from both India and abroad. There were 7 artistes from Mumbai alone, who represented different art forms.
Priya Singh, a graceful Odissi artiste presented ‘Navdurga’ as the first performance of the festival. Preetilekha Choudhury showcased Sattriya, one of the 8 classical dance styles of India to the audience in Thane. Anjana Dongre, a Bharatanatyam artiste performed Devi Thodaya Mangalam and Tillana. Lata Surendra, a disciple of the eminent Kalaimamani Guru TS Kadirvelu Pillai presented her choreography. She is a Bharatnatyam exponent who has been in the field for over 5 decades. Manipuri artiste Latasana Devi, a senior disciple of Padma Shri awardee, Darshana Jhaveri presented Manipuri recitals – Radha Roop Varnan and Shiv Stuti. Dr Sailaja Desai showcased Kuchipudi piece Taranga Malika, a garland of tarangams, describing the beauty of young Krishna in many ways. Dr Tina Tambe, one of the most sort after Kathak dancers of today, beautifully presented Kathak much to the delight of the audience.
Kathakar Preeti Vikharankar performed Teen-Tala, Krishna Vandana and Proshitpatika Nayika with subtle abhinaya. Ajay Shendge performed Shankaracharya Krithi ‘Jagannath Ashtakam’ and ‘Ragamalika Pallavi’ in Odissi style. Dr Smruti Vaghela mesmerised the audience with her Bharatanatyam performance. She presented Ashtapadi and Ardhanareeswaram with impeccable ease. The festival had two Mohiniyattam performances. The first to perform was Mydhili Prasad. Later, Dimple Nair from Doha, a disciple of Padma Bhushan awardee, Dr Kanak Rele artistically presented Kubja, the tale of a hunchbacked maidservant.
Guru Deepak Mazumdar, a Bharatnatyam exponent and BR Vikram Kumar, Editor of The Dance India Magazine graced the festival as guests. Manoj Pillai, secretary of Sanskruti Arts Festival attended the festival and conveyed his greetings. Performers did an excellent job in showcasing their art forms and elevated Tarang Ratna to the next level. The festival turned out to be a feast for classical dance aficionados.
