Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 16: Kathak Dance Recital organised by Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India mesmerized the art lovers here at police auditorium.
Featuring prominent Kathak dancer Priya Dutta and her six disciples, the programme kept the audience spellbound.
On the occasion, Shantmanu, Divisional Commissioner Jammu was the chief guest.
Welcoming the guests, Regional Director of ICCR Jammu Balwant Thakur apprised about the programmes and activities of ICCR and hoped that this first ever initiative ICCR of showcasing the classical dance by local artists will go a long way in encouraging the great tradition of classical arts in Jammu.
A film on activities of ICCR featuring the introduction by ICCR president Dr Karan Singh was also screened, which was appreciated by all.
Priya Dutta started the Kathak Dance Recital with Ganesh Vandana based on the Poetry of Tulsi Daas on Teen Taal, followed by Kathak performances by the Bhawana Sharma and Swati Sharma. Priya Dutta in her next solo performed aamad, thaat, uthan, tukra, paran, mishar jalti chala and in drutt laya she performed the compositions of tihai and Ganesh Vandana. The programme also featured singing by Raj Kumar in semi-classical. The culmination of the programme amazed everyone with a spectacular group performance ‘Samparpan’ featuring Priya Dutta with six of her disciples.
Priya Dutta in her Kathak Dance Recital was supported by very senior artists of the State which included Parshotam Kumar on tabla, Sunil Raina on sitar and Raj Kumar Sharma of harmonium and vocal. Young dancers who accompanied her excellently included Basnet Romilla, Bhawana Sharma, Swati Sharma, Vandana Bhagat, Astha Jain and Heena Devi.
Speaking on the occasion, Shantmanu assured all possible help in the promotion of such programmes and activities.
Among others present were Ayaz Rasool Nazki, Regional Director, ICCR, Kashmir, Roma Wani, general secretary, Indian Red Cross Society, J&K, Jatinder Udhampuri, Naveen Chopra, Ravinder Jamwal and Rohit Verma.
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