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 Kanak Sparsha- Manjula Shastrie-mail: manjulashastri2929@gmail.com April 4, 2026 Kanak Sparsha was a unique baithak that is an age-old tradition where the barrier between the stage and the spectator dissolves, proving that music and dance is not just a performance to be watched, but a conversation to be shared. Curated by Dr.Anupma Harshal as she steps into the 25th year as a teacher, it was a treat to watch the students of Taalmani Pandit Brijraj Mishra Kala Foundation. The occasion was graced by Dr. Mayura A. Khataukar, an erstwhile guru of the Raigarh gharana, Director of Kathak Sadhna Kendra, Navi Mumbai. Guru Smaran on Feb 22, 2026 at Nritya Hop Studio, Mumbai, commenced with a powerful Shiv Stuti, Shivakant Shambho performed by Anupma's senior disciples Shivani, Rekha and Arushi. The piece carried the unmistakable lineage of Guru Pratap Pawar. Having attended his workshops, I could see his fine mentorship reflected in the dancers' precision - a fitting tribute to a guru who is an exceptional practitioner himself. This was followed by a moment of "submission" by Guru Anupma who led with effortless grace, the rendition of "Sohamgar damroo baje" (from Gautam Dabir's Ananda Tandava). It was a spiritual dialogue, capturing the rhythmic pulse of the cosmic dancer.  Kansa Vadh Then came the rasas of life presented by her senior most disciple Punam Labhane who shifted the mood into the realm of shringar and longing with the virahotkanthita nayika. Set to the haunting notes of raag Kalavati in Adha Teen Taal, her portrayal of the "Saanjh beeti" (The evening has passed...) captured the delicate ache of waiting for Krishna with evocative clarity. The live composition was rendered by Aparna Biwalkar set to tune by Harshal Wadavlikar on tabla. She then presented Shikhar Taal, showcasing brilliant padhant (recitation) and the crisp nritta ang that defines the Benares gharana. The emotional peak of the evening was undoubtedly Kansa Vadh and Kaliya Daman placed mid-way. The rigour with which the Maal Yudh (wrestling match) was portrayed by Punam brought the entire scene to life. One could almost see the wrestlers thrown by Kansa and the youthful, divine strength of Krishna played by Shivani as he subdued the serpent played by Arushi.  Mehar The energy surged with a trio performing Tirvaat in ada chautaal, a complex and riveting composition by Harshal and Aparna. The Mughal andaaz added a layer of vibrance in the form of Jhap taal Tarana by Mehar, the youngest student of the lot, which was a delight to watch. Two beautiful dancers Shivani and Arushi playfully depicted the story of Krishna and the Kaliya snake waging the war of good over evil in gat bhaav. The rhythmic synergy between the dancers was interspersed with tabla recitation by Vihaan and Sriram, students of Harshal and supported by Bageshree on harmonium, who also played solo. The resonant tabla recital turned the technicality of nritta into pure visual music.  Hori The evening culminated in a celebratory burst of Hori played by Rekha and her sakha with colours of love, divinity and awe, as we all see Krishna in different forms. Then came the ghoomar from the land of Rajasthan celebrating "Kesariya baalma padharo re mhare daes." The colourful folklore drew together the team of Edna, Deepali, Hirathaya, Kavya along with the other students. Devotion in the sufi genre came in last with the soul-stirring "Dumadum mast qalandar," leaving the audience not just as spectators, but as participants in a shared journey of rhythm and resilience. All the live numbers were sung by Aparna Biwalkar who is one of the creative heads at the Institute.  Ghoomar Dr. Mayura shared words of wisdom for the parents and families of the students saying how we must trust the process and not run after short bouts of win on social media platforms. She emphasised the need for riyaaz and how in a world of being seen it was important to just be authentic in the pursuit of excellence, as a performing artiste.  Manjula Shastri is a Kathak nritya Visharad and dance teacher at DAV Public School, Airoli, Navi Mumbai. |
