Lucknow: An evening of rhythm, grace, and classical artistry unfolded at the Rai Umanath Bali Auditorium on Tuesday as the Birju Maharaj Kathak Sansthan presented a special Yugal Nrityanjali programme under its ongoing Kathak Sandhya series.
The event featured captivating performances by three talented Kathak duos, who enthralled the audience with their intricate footwork, expressive storytelling, and strong stage chemistry.
The highlight of the evening was the vibrant performance by the Ratan Sisters, Isha Ratan and Misha Ratan, disciples of Guru Arjun Mishra and Surbhi Singh. Their presentation began with the devotional Rudrashtakam, setting a spiritually charged tone for the evening. The duo then moved into a traditional Teen Taal Kathak composition, displaying remarkable command over rhythm and movement.
The performance concluded with an emotionally rich rendition based on Raag Megh and the composition “Badal Re Araj Garaj…”, where the dancers beautifully portrayed the emotional depth and dramatic nuances of the piece through expressive abhinaya. The live musical accompaniment added richness to the performance, with Rajeev Shukla on tabla, Manish on sarangi, and Arif on harmonium and vocals. The padhant and artistic guidance were provided by Surbhi Singh.
Earlier in the evening, Anjul Bajpai and Piyush Pandey presented an engaging performance dedicated to Lord Shiva through the composition “Damru Harkar Baje.” Their presentation, based on the traditional Teen Taal, reflected the purity and discipline of classical Kathak. The duo concluded with the composition “Badal Garaj Navghor,” where their rhythmic precision, graceful coordination, and expressive storytelling stood out as major highlights.
The programme opened with a soulful presentation by Govind Chaudhary and Roshni Prasad. Beginning with the Shiva stuti “Namami Shamisham,” the pair delivered a deeply devotional performance marked by elegance and poise. They later demonstrated impressive technical skill through a complex presentation set to the 15-beat Pancham Sawari Taal.
Their concluding performance, based on the composition “Shri Radhe Rani,” brought alive the playful and affectionate moments of Radha and Krishna through expressive gestures and delicate movements. The dancers’ synchronisation, dialogue through dance, and seamless coordination created a visually enchanting experience for the audience and showcased a distinctive dimension of Kathak artistry.
The evening’s performances were widely appreciated for their disciplined execution, refined expressions, and emotional depth. Each duo brought a unique interpretation to the classical form while maintaining the traditional essence of Kathak.
The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by chief guest Sanjay Singh and institution chairperson Kumkum Dhar. Also present on the occasion were institution vice-chairman Mithilesh Tiwari and member Surbhi Singh.
The event was smoothly conducted by compere Devendra Singh, whose engaging presentation added to the flow and elegance of the cultural evening.
