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 Shama Bhate: A flowing river of Kathak- Dr. Chitra Sharmae-mail: sharmachitra8@gmail.com October 6, 2025  The Golden Era of an artiste For Guru Shama Bhate, affectionately called Shama Tai, this moment in time is the Amrit Kaal of her artistic journey - a golden era that reflects the luminous history of Kathak in Maharashtra. Her work, born of relentless sadhana (discipline), is not only a celebration of tradition but also a reminder of Kathak's limitless capacity for reinvention. A fertile land of music and dance Maharashtra has always nurtured the finest names in Indian classical arts. From Pandit Bhimsen Joshi of the Kirana Gharana to Gangubai Hangal and Mallikarjun Mansur of the Jaipur Gharana, to stalwarts like Kishori Amonkar, Raj Shekhar, and Suresh Talwalkar, the state has produced musical legends. In Kathak too, maestros like Rohini Bhate and Shama Bhate have shaped its modern trajectory. Though Kathak is a North Indian dance form, it has found a unique depth and evolution in Maharashtra, thanks to the dedication of such gurus. Journey of a visionary dancer Shama Bhate's journey in Kathak is extraordinary. From solo performances to the heights of choreography, her path has been historic. She trained under her guru and mother-in-law Rohini Bhate, the legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj, and absorbed the intricate nuances of rhythm under Suresh Talwalkar. Over the decades, she has established herself as an exceptional dancer, visionary choreographer, reflective thinker, and an inspirational teacher. Today, she is counted among the foremost exponents of contemporary Kathak. Philosophy: Tradition as a flowing river For Shama Bhate, Kathak tradition is not static - it is a flowing river. "Tradition is limitless. It cannot be bound. Every day it renews itself. It is enriched by many sources, and its evolution is inevitable." She believes that rather than resisting change in the name of purity, tradition must embrace new ideas. This philosophy has guided her to pioneer innovations - from using unconventional talas, integrating tabla and pakhawaj into Kathak compositions, to transforming audio design into visual performance. Her approach is both modern and progressive - rooted in tradition, yet constantly questioning, experimenting, and reinventing. Nadroop: A Temple of Innovation  Her institution 'Nadroop' is one of the most dynamic centers of Kathak training today. At Nadroop, tradition and modernity engage in constant dialogue. The space nurtures creativity through performances, choreographic experiments, and collective reflections - shaping the future of Kathak while keeping its roots alive. Landmark works and experiments Shama Bhate has created some of Kathak's most admired experimental works:
One of her most pathbreaking works, "Nishabd Bhed" was inspired by the Oscar-winning French documentary Le Monde du Silence. Here, she brought the silence of the ocean alive through movement, stillness, and music, creating a deeply meditative experience where silence itself became rhythm. Themes of Ecology, Myth, and Identity  Her choreography also reflects pressing contemporary concerns. In 'Unnayan', inspired by environmentalist Salumarada Thimmakka, she portrayed the struggles and triumphs of a life dedicated to saving nature. In 'Hamnava', she envisioned a poetic union between the rivers Vitasta and Godavari - symbolizing Kashmir and Maharashtra - and their shared destiny. Through such works, Shama Bhate demonstrates Kathak's ability to speak across time, geography, and human experience. A national and international presence Shama Bhate has performed across India's premier festivals and internationally in Israel, Doha, South Korea, Austria, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, and the USA. She has also collaborated with jazz musicians and experimental composers, reaffirming Kathak's universality. Recognition and Legacy Her artistic brilliance has been widely acknowledged. She is a recipient of the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, among many other honours. Critics like Dr. Sunil Kothari have lauded her originality, and newspapers such as The Hindu and Indian Express have celebrated her contributions. Shama Bhate is truly a river without borders - ceaseless, nourishing, and ever evolving. She has given Kathak a new vocabulary, fresh dimensions, and an enduring relevance in our times. Conclusion In her five-decade-long journey, Shama Bhate has shown that Kathak is not merely a performance art - it is a living philosophy, a dialogue between past and present, a space where silence and rhythm, myth and modernity, coexist. She is not just a dancer or a choreographer, but a visionary custodian of Kathak, carrying forward tradition while opening new horizons for future generations.  Dr Chitra Sharma is an art critic. She has her own YouTube Channel and a page on Face Book named "Kathak ka soundarya." She is working with CBC, information and broadcasting ministry as an assistant director (programmes). Post your comments Please provide your name and email id along with your comment. All appropriate comments posted with name and email id in the blog will also be featured in the site. |
