Eighty-three years ago, a stream rose from the depths of the ancient mountains. During its journey through valleys and forests, the seasons in which it was observed, nourished by land and living beings, this small tributary developed into a river maintaining a vibrant, dynamic art-life. my guru pandit Birju Maharaj Yes, was it this river which has now merged into the infinite ocean? It is a river that has overtaken many tributaries by giving the gift of dancing, inspiring and dancing hordes of artists from all over the world.
Brijmohan Mishra’s birth in fame Kalka-Bindadin The Gharana of Kathak, which had many great artists before him, was a child Prodigy Which later became a legend. His deep immersion in the form, subtle observations of nature/humanity and vast imagination took Kathak beyond its geographical context and brought it to the center stage as a classical art form of the highest caliber not only in India but globally. He changed not only the repertoire of Kathak but also its presentation, pedagogy, life span and still retained its essence.
Even though the dance itself was a tradition that she inherited from her family, she created ‘Pal Mein’. Every life experience, however minute it may be, was given a new meaning in the deepest dance. Let me tell you an anecdote that shows you what I mean by actively living in the moment. I remember when he told me that I would be a part of the India Festival tour in the UK in 1982, I was very excited. I rehearsed what I had choreographed and finally the day arrived. I stood in the wings, waiting for my entry into London’s huge theatre, when Maharajji was dancing off the stage and into the wings to tell us, “Cut this piece, the last part Go for.” And then he went back on stage! He sensed the pulse of the spectators and felt the need to improve the game. He was always evolving and changing. As disciples, he became the wind and we just followed him where the wind blew, and suddenly a new world emerged.
How can one pay homage to Maharaj ji? He was not only a guru and dancer, but also a choreographer (Devdas, Bajirao Mastani and many others), singer, percussionist and composer. If that’s not enough, he even wrote poetry and did painting!
He was honored with many honors around the world including the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, Yet, all these accolades pale in comparison to his immense artistry. Every breath he took was engulfed in dance, his body, mind and heart with the sound of his bells.
I remember how Maharajji loved having a sudden meeting in the class, where he would sing and act, stun us with jokes (he had such a great sense of humour) and also used to express a special horror with just his eyes . This changed his face and suddenly he saw anger and evil. Even though I knew it was coming, I would end up screaming in fear. The whole class would burst into laughter at a scared girl from Ahmedabad.
How will the greatness of an artist like Maharaj ji resonate for centuries? After all, dance is abstract, fleeting, which one cannot hold. The echo of Maharaj ji’s radiant artistry will live on through the many tributaries that he gave birth to and nurtured. Many of us will forever cherish the gift of dance that he has so generously given us.
My deepest and most respectful greetings.
Aditi Mangaldas is a Kathak dancer and choreographer.
Brijmohan Mishra’s birth in fame Kalka-Bindadin The Gharana of Kathak, which had many great artists before him, was a child Prodigy Which later became a legend. His deep immersion in the form, subtle observations of nature/humanity and vast imagination took Kathak beyond its geographical context and brought it to the center stage as a classical art form of the highest caliber not only in India but globally. He changed not only the repertoire of Kathak but also its presentation, pedagogy, life span and still retained its essence.
Even though the dance itself was a tradition that she inherited from her family, she created ‘Pal Mein’. Every life experience, however minute it may be, was given a new meaning in the deepest dance. Let me tell you an anecdote that shows you what I mean by actively living in the moment. I remember when he told me that I would be a part of the India Festival tour in the UK in 1982, I was very excited. I rehearsed what I had choreographed and finally the day arrived. I stood in the wings, waiting for my entry into London’s huge theatre, when Maharajji was dancing off the stage and into the wings to tell us, “Cut this piece, the last part Go for.” And then he went back on stage! He sensed the pulse of the spectators and felt the need to improve the game. He was always evolving and changing. As disciples, he became the wind and we just followed him where the wind blew, and suddenly a new world emerged.
How can one pay homage to Maharaj ji? He was not only a guru and dancer, but also a choreographer (Devdas, Bajirao Mastani and many others), singer, percussionist and composer. If that’s not enough, he even wrote poetry and did painting!
He was honored with many honors around the world including the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, Yet, all these accolades pale in comparison to his immense artistry. Every breath he took was engulfed in dance, his body, mind and heart with the sound of his bells.
I remember how Maharajji loved having a sudden meeting in the class, where he would sing and act, stun us with jokes (he had such a great sense of humour) and also used to express a special horror with just his eyes . This changed his face and suddenly he saw anger and evil. Even though I knew it was coming, I would end up screaming in fear. The whole class would burst into laughter at a scared girl from Ahmedabad.
How will the greatness of an artist like Maharaj ji resonate for centuries? After all, dance is abstract, fleeting, which one cannot hold. The echo of Maharaj ji’s radiant artistry will live on through the many tributaries that he gave birth to and nurtured. Many of us will forever cherish the gift of dance that he has so generously given us.
My deepest and most respectful greetings.
Aditi Mangaldas is a Kathak dancer and choreographer.
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