Magnificent Kathak Dance casts a magical spell on inaugurating day of Chandigarh classical Dance Festival 2021 at Tagore Theatre organized by NZCC

Chandigarh sunitashastri : Inaugurating day of Chandigarh classical Dance Festival 2021 organized by North Zone Cultural Centre , Patiala witnessed an incredible Kathak dance performance by SNA Awardee Dr. Shobha Koser at the Tagore Theatre here today. Prof. Saubhagya Vardhan , Director, NZCC adjoined by Sh. Sajal Koser, Secretary, Pracheen Kala Kendra lighted the traditional lamp. Dr. Shobha Koser is the finest and foremost exponent of Jaipur School of Kathak dance. Her name has not only become synonymous with Kathak but also she has perfected her skill in Kathak in such a manner to create her own distinctive style and signature in her chosen craft. She is the only professional Kathak dancer from the North-West region of the country in the post-independence era known for enriching the traditional Kathak of the Jaipur Gharana and maintaining its purity without diluting its fundamental techniques. Kathak virtuoso Dr. Shobha Koser got initial training from Guru Kanhiya Lal, a disciple of Guru Narayan Prasad and later underwent further intensive training under Guru Kundan Lal Gangani, who fortified her talent with the knowledge of all the essentialities and intricacies of the art to the highest degree of perfection. She was fortunate enough to have encouragement from her husband late Sh. Madan Lal Koser who was another great master of classical dances.The programme commenced with vandana in different ragas for Lord Ganesha, Maa Saraswati and Gurus and also different moods of nature . This epic item was dedicated to eminent Vocalist and Guru Late Pt. Keshav Talegaonkar ji . All the compositions in this vandana were composed by him.This presentation was followed by Pure and traditional Kathak Dance of Jaipur Gharana in which Dr. Shobha presented Gat, Nikas Thaat, , paran, chakradar paran, ladi etc.. Some special traditional compositions were also presented with captivating and graceful movements and fine footwork . This was followed by beautifully danced Thumri in raga “Kalawati ” with bols “Aiso Hathilo Chhaila ” displaying her command over abhinaya aspect of Kathak amidst thunderous applause. Dr. Shobha concluded her recital with Bhajan in Raga Kalawati with bols “Hey Govind Rakho Sharan ” casts a magical spell. She was well accompanied by Pandit Madho Prasad on Vocal and Shri Fateh Singh Gangani on Tabla, Sh. Mehmood Khan on Tabla, Sh. Saleem Kumar on Sitar and Ms. Shubhra Talegaonkar on vocals.