‘Savesh Natya Sangeet’ blends dramatic music and classical dance

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

A cultural programme titled ‘Savesh Natya Sangeet’, blending Natya Sangeet and classical dance, was organised recently in the city. Conceptualised by entrepreneur and arts enthusiast Mohini Kelkar, the event presented Maharashtra’s theatrical music traditions in a contemporary format.

The presentation was guided by Dr V Soumyasri Pawar, a Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi artist, while Pt Vishwanath Dashrathe and his ensemble from the Shriram Musical Foundation provided the music. The programme began with Nataraja worship, with dignitaries watering Kadamba saplings. Natasha Kelkar and Sameer Kelkar introduced the artists.

Pt Vishwanath Dashrathe opened the evening with ‘Narayana Rama Ramana’ as Narada. Dances followed with Mohini Kelkar, Ishita, and Ishani Kulkarni performing to ‘Panchtund Nararund Maladhar’ from Shakuntala, while Dr V Soumyasri Pawar presented ‘Garbha Sabhavati’ from Matsyagandha. Dashrathe also rendered ‘Ghei Chhand Makrand’ from Katyar Kaljat Ghusli.

Ishani Kulkarni performed ‘Bhare Manat Sundara’ from Jai Jai Gauri Shankar, while Ishita Kulkarni presented ‘Kathi Kathi Kiti’ from Bhavbandhan. After the interval, Mohini Kelkar sang ‘Uthi Uthi Gopala’ from Dev Dinaghari Dhavla. Ishita and Ishani concluded with ‘Mhatara Ituka Na Avaghe’ from Sharda.

Vocal support was provided by Pt V Dashrathe and Rajshree Oak, with accompaniment by Yogiraj Pandey (tabla and pakhawaj), Shantibhushan Deshpande (harmonium), Rudra Deshpande (flute) and Pankaj Shirbhate (violin). The programme was anchored by adv Sujata Pathak, with makeup by Ravi Kulkarni and Bhagyashri Kulkarni.

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