1/9/2015

I seek salvation in dance - The Hindu

I seek salvation in dance

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TAPATI CHOWDURIE

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A conversation with Ashim Bandhu Bhattacharya, a well-known Kathak exponent of Kolkata.

Ashim Bandhu Bhattacharya is a name to reckon with in the field of Kathak in Kolkata. A
practitioner of the dance form for the last four decades, which included performing at
various prestigious platforms within and outside the country, Ashim Bandhu is adept at
both the Lucknow and Jaipur gharana of Kathak.
He has honed his skills from Pandit Ram Gopal Mishra, Pandit Vijay Shankar and also
Pandit Birju Maharaj.
Recently, he performed at the annual Uday Shankar Festival in Kolkata. The performance
Parikrama A Journey of Life Through Dance, showcased different journeys mandir
parikrama, taal chakra parikrama, leela prasang parikrama, sringar rasa parikrama and
ananda parikrama.
In an interview, Ashim Bandhu talks about the Kathak scene in Kolkata, his life in the dance
form and more.
He feels, The Kathak scene in Kolkata has reached a peak as dancers no longer present
only the learnt material. Choreographers and teachers have dedicated themselves to the
development and popularisation of the art form. Excerpts:
Do you come from a background of performing arts?
I feel I was born to practise Kathak. Kathak comes to me spontaneously. It is very dynamic.
My mother was a classical vocalist.
What would you call your high points as a Kathak dancer?
As a practitioner of this art form for the past 42 years, from being a student to a performer to a teacher and a choreographer, I have had many
highs and lows.
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1/9/2015

I seek salvation in dance - The Hindu

As a student, I got the National Scholarship from the Human Resource Development, Government of India, and secured the first place in the
Dover Lane Music Conference and the State Akademi, all three in the same year that was the first high point of my career.
As a performer, I got the chance to represent my country abroad and also got the chance to learn and perform under some great gurus and
choreographers. In this long journey, I have played different roles in my life through dance and that has been my greatest joy.
As a performing artist and a teacher, how have you tried to take the genre forward?
Only experimentations and innovations cannot take the dance form forward. What is needed is the depth of understanding of the student and the
audience. There has to be growth from within for which both the teacher and the performer would have to reach out and touch the rasikas.
I always try to inspire the next generation to learn the nuances and intricacies of the art form and I also give our country new promising students
for the promotion and propagation of Kathak. The next generation is very dedicated and hard working.
As for me, my salvation is through dance. My only aim is to spend my entire life with dance.
What changes have Kathak undergone over the years ?
Kathak has undergone a lot of changes but over the years, there has been change in the aesthetic values and improvisation while at the same time
keeping the essence of the traditional art form intact.
With the advent of time, it is necessary to change. Otherwise, the art form does not get to explore much and the search stops.
What do you think about solo and group dancing in Kathak? Do you find one more interesting than the other?
Both the aspects are very interesting in different ways. When I perform solo, I always maintain the repertoire and authenticity of the art form but
while doing group compositions, I generally give importance to the innovative aspects so that I can explore different ideas.
TAPATI CHOWDURIE
In this long journey, I have played different roles in my life through dance and that has been my greatest joy.

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