Aadya Kaktikar & Madhushree Dasgupta presented a matured rendition of the original choreographies of Guru Mayadhar Raut at the India International Centre on Friday. The evening began with a traditional ”Mangalacharan” dedicated to Lord Shiva reflecting the ritualistic aspect of Odissi

“He who holds the mighty Ganges in his locks,

who is adorned by Parvati on his side,

who burnt Cupid - the ashes for his pride,

he who is the Lord of Kashi; to him we offer our humble prayer.”

Odissi dance performers are judged through the recital of the “Mohana Pallavi” and keeping this in mind, both dancers paid homage to the lyrical, graceful and sculpturestique form of Odissi with seasoned dexterity, elaborating the blooming of a flower “petal by petal”, increasing in beauty and complexity growing in depth, both in music and dance. With extremely graceful and flowing movements both the dancers seem to be swaying with the music becoming one entity. The beauty of the music is given physical form by the dancer’s movements.

Madhushree Dasgupta then continues with a pure Abhinaya from Jayadeva’s Geet Govind “Yahi Madhav” masterfully choreographed by her Guru Mayadhar Raut describing Radha’s anger, grief, shame and sorrow all at the same time when Krishna faces Radha after having spent the night reveling with other Gopies.

Aadya Kaktikar’s rendition of “Dekho Nand Nandan” depicting the Baal Leela of Lord Krishna’s life such as the killing of Putana, lifting of Giri Govardhan among others, prove her coming forward as a seasoned proponent of the Odissi Dance form. These have been skillfully woven together with traditional Odissi bols. This performance is also keeping with the tradition of performing Oriya songs. Aadya’s performance is notable for her strong sense of ‘Taal’, deft footwork, lyrical movements and intense ‘Abhinaya’ while maintaining the purity of the dance form, which is characteristic of Guru Mayadhar Raut’s style.

Starting at a fast pace and ending at a crescendo, the evening ended with a prayer to Durga- the primordial power of nature personifying this aspiration of the dancer/s.

Choreographed by Guru Mayadhar Raut himself, his daughter and Aadya’s guru Madhumita Raut conducted the recital on the Manjira. Shri Prafulla Mangraj was at the Pakhawaj, the violin was played by Shri Afzaal Zahoor and the Sitar by Shri S.A. Alvi. Shri Hari Narayan Dash was at his vocal best in his support.

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About Aadya Kaktikar

Aadya a disciple of Madhumita Raut is emerging as the new face of this ancient dance tradition, is an accomplished Odissi Dancer who has undergone two decades of rigorous training under the able tutelage of Guru Mayadhar Raut and Madhumita Raut at “The Mayadhar Raut School of Odissi Dance” at New Delhi. She has performed extensively as a solo artist since 1992, in a number of festivals and has played a leading role in all of Guruji’s compositions for the last decade. She has played leading roles in productions such as Ritu Basant, Konark), The Geet Govind under the supervision of her Guru – Madhumita Raut. Settled in New Delhi, Aadya is currently engaged in reviving the traditional Odissi dance items and trying to extend the scope of Odissi by experimenting with modern literature.

About Madhushree Dasgupta

Madhushree, a senior disciple of Guru Mayadhar Raut, has been practicing and performing odissi for many years. She has undergone intensive training under Guruji for the last 14 years. Madhushree has previously performed at several prestigious venues. Her abhinaya to both Geeta Govind Ashtapadis and Oriya songs on Guruji’s choreography have been highly appreciated. With her sincere perseverance, Madhushree has steadily come up as a promising Odissi dancer of the Guru Mayadhar Raut style. Madhushree also enjoys teaching this traditional art form to young children. Apart from Guruji’s invaluable guidance, Madhushree has drawn inspiration from Madhumita Raut, who has given her lessons in Odissi from time-to-time.