Kathak performance by Raksha Kashyap for Nrityaantaranga 31
Puttur/Mangaluru: Smt. Raksha Kashyap of Bengaluru recently gave a beautiful Kathak performance for Nrityaantaranga 31. ‘Nrityaantaranga’ a monthly dance series with the aim of educating the people to understand and enjoy classical dance forms and thereby creating a class audience is being hosted by Sri Mookambika Cultural Academy(R.) of Puttur under the leadership of Vidwan B.Deepak Kumar and his family members. Even though these events are conducted on a small arena, the impact is very strong in reaching the audience.
Continuing its venture the Academy arranged for Kathak presentation by Raksha Kashyap of Bengaluru. The evening was inaugurated by Akshavani and Doordarshan artiste Puttur Panduranga Nayak Who later on discussed various Ragas of the repertoire and his connection to the classical dances. Kum.Akshatha gave the introductory note, Sri Lakshmi did the invocating recital. Kum.Dhanyashree and Smt.Usha Alva gave the opinion on behalf of the audience; Vidwan Deepak Kumar conducted the programme.
On this occasion, Kum.Isha Sulochana Muliya, a talent of the Academy who represented India in Japan for cultural exchange programme, was felicitated by Vidushi Preethikala.
Raksha performed Ganapathi Moorath as invocatory piece. Later on Phala Netra- a Shiva sthuthi was presented with vibrant movements and footwork. The next number was a Drupad on little Krishna which described his pranks, mischiefs in Gokul. Continued item was again on Krishna with Shringara rasa – Kahe Rokat Dagar Pyare. Raksha gave soothing mild expressions in portraying Gopikas characters. The concluding item was Tharana in Darbari Raga which was choreographed by legendary Guru late Dr.Maya Rao. Even though the presentation was neat and beautiful, the long Lehenga blocked the vision of intricate and rigorous Foot work of the artiste to the audience.
About Raksha Kashyap:
For Raksha Kashyap, holding Bachelor degree in Commerce and a Professional Degree from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India and working for a multinational company was for occupational necessities, but it was dance that kept her jovial and enriched. Though not at a traditional tender age, did she start training classical dance, but her belief that one never gets until one starts a pursuit, she stepped the spring board to learn Bharathnatyam under Vidushi Charumathi Raju and is advancing her repertoire under Vidushi Rohini Dhannjaya. Its with Guru Mysore B Nagaraj that her another dimension of classical dance training unveiled.
KATHAK is her bastion. Raksha has also trained in various forms of folk dances of Karnataka such as forms from other states and has represented at various state level competitions. Raksha has also performed in prestigious platforms of Hampi Utsav festival, Mysore Dasara, Sai Nrityotsava, Articulate Festival and many of its like. She also attended various dance and yoga workshops conducted by Bragha Besell, Rama Vaidynatha, Renjith & Vijna.
Submitted by Vidwan B.Deepak Kumar