An Indian Classical Dance Festival is a rarity. Not many people know that such a festival does indeed happen every year in Mumbai. And this is the 21st year of the the festival. Started by Kathak dancer Uma Dogra’s Sam Ved Society, the Raindrop Indian Dance festival has been showcasing fine Indian classical dance talents from India and abroad for the two decades.
The 21st Raindrops was dedicated to the memory of Guru Smt. Reba Vidyarthy and it featured four classical styles and performances by six talented dancers. Following the success the format for the 22nd festival which just concluded at Mini Theatre, PL Deshpande Maharashatra Kala Academy was expanded running into three days instead of the usual two. The festival was to a feast to the senses.
The first performer of the festival was Arundhati Patwardhan who is the daughter and disciple of renowned Bharatanatyam exponent Sucheta Chapekar. Arundhati executed the pure dance and abhinaya aspect with ease and mastery in numbers like the Kanakadasa composition "Krishna Nee Begane Baro" and in the Balamuralikrishna Thillana in Vrindavanasaranga ragam. Arundhati concluded the performance with a Meera Bhajan that exposed varied facets and episodes in the life of Lord Krishna.
Srilakshmi Govardhanan’s Kuchipudi was noteworthy for its elegance, precision and the natural flair for expressions. Having learnt Kuchipudi from teachers like Pasumarthy Rattiah Sharma, Vyjayanti Kashi and Manju Bhargavi, she has developed her own style that is attractive and impressive. While Lakshmi succeeded in portraying the aspect of both Shiva and Shakti in the Ardharishwara number, she was amazing in the Tarangam that incorporated the Poothana Moksham in a commendable manner. The portrayal of Poothana left a lasting impression on the spectators and Lakshmi deserves to be seen more often on the performing platform.
Tall and slim, Shaswati Garai Ghosh is a powerful Odissi dancer who is blessed with all the qualities necessary for a fine Odissi dancer. In fact, her performance reminded me of the late Odissi dancer Protima Bedi. Shaswati’s performance was noteworthy for the typical Odissi elegance, accuracy and large expressive eyes which was evident in the numbers Shiva Parvati Sabda and Krishna Janma Katha that portrayed the dramatic and unique birth of Lord Krishna at midnight. Shaswati is the ardent disciple of renowned exponent Sharmila Biswas and has performed with her at various festivals in India and abroad.
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| Srilakshmi Govardhan |
The first performer of the festival was Arundhati Patwardhan who is the daughter and disciple of renowned Bharatanatyam exponent Sucheta Chapekar. Arundhati executed the pure dance and abhinaya aspect with ease and mastery in numbers like the Kanakadasa composition "Krishna Nee Begane Baro" and in the Balamuralikrishna Thillana in Vrindavanasaranga ragam. Arundhati concluded the performance with a Meera Bhajan that exposed varied facets and episodes in the life of Lord Krishna.
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| Shaswati Ghosh |
Srilakshmi Govardhanan’s Kuchipudi was noteworthy for its elegance, precision and the natural flair for expressions. Having learnt Kuchipudi from teachers like Pasumarthy Rattiah Sharma, Vyjayanti Kashi and Manju Bhargavi, she has developed her own style that is attractive and impressive. While Lakshmi succeeded in portraying the aspect of both Shiva and Shakti in the Ardharishwara number, she was amazing in the Tarangam that incorporated the Poothana Moksham in a commendable manner. The portrayal of Poothana left a lasting impression on the spectators and Lakshmi deserves to be seen more often on the performing platform.
Tall and slim, Shaswati Garai Ghosh is a powerful Odissi dancer who is blessed with all the qualities necessary for a fine Odissi dancer. In fact, her performance reminded me of the late Odissi dancer Protima Bedi. Shaswati’s performance was noteworthy for the typical Odissi elegance, accuracy and large expressive eyes which was evident in the numbers Shiva Parvati Sabda and Krishna Janma Katha that portrayed the dramatic and unique birth of Lord Krishna at midnight. Shaswati is the ardent disciple of renowned exponent Sharmila Biswas and has performed with her at various festivals in India and abroad.
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