Kathak exponent Uma Dogra and Sam Ved Performing Arts Society in association with Bhavan’s Cultural Centre has organised the 29th Raindrops Festival as a tribute to the veteran Kathak maestro Pandit Durgalal in Mumbai.
Renowned Kathak exponent Uma Dogra says, “Normally the monsoon is considered the slack season as far as performances are considered as organizers are not willing to take the risk but Raindrops, as the name suggests, is organised during the monsoon and fortunately not a single festival has been cancelled and the response has always been very encouraging. I get a lot of applications from dancers and ultimately I select the most deserving ones and dancers are also provided with a remuneration. The main intention is to encourage young talent.”
One of the highlight performance will be the Kuchipudi and Odissi duet by Bhilai based accomplished Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi exponent Ratheesh Babu and the brilliant Odissi exponent from Malaysia Sandhya Manoj jointly will perform “Ardhanarishwara” interpreting the concept of Shiva and Shakti, in other words, the merging of both the masculine and feminine spirit as symbolised by Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati. Depicting the complete character, glory and power of Shiva and Parvati, executed in two distinct classical styles of India. The duration of the performance is expected to be 35 minutes only as others too have to perform on the first day, they include young and talented Kathak male dancer from Kolkata Megh Ayan Banerjee, Eesha Pinglay will perform Bharatanatyam, Rohini B will perform Odissi, while the charming Praachi Saathi, disciple of the veteran mentor Lata Raman will perform Bharatanatyam.
The second and final day of the festival will feature Sakshi Pujari for Bharatanatyam, Sarita Mishra for Odissi and Bharatanatyam by brilliant dancer Sukanya Kumar who is the daughter of theatre personality and art critic Bhanu Kumar. Sangita Chatterjee will perform Kathak and another highlight duet of Mohiniattam and Keralanandam will be performed by Vineeta Srinandan, a disciple of Kalamandlam C. Gopalakrishnan and Joy Krishna. While Bharatanatyam and kathak dominate the festival, other styles will definitely create a fine spectacle. Do not miss this festival.
The festival will be held on Friday 12 July and Saturday 13th July at the SPJIMR Auditorium in Andheri (W), Mumbai, 6.30 pm onwards and the admission is free.
