Lucknow: In a fitting tribute to renowned Kathak guru Kapila Raj, celebrated Kathak dancer Devika Devendra S. Mangalamukhi presented an insightful lecture-cum-demonstration at the premises of the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi (UPSNA) on Wednesday. The event was organized as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to preserve and promote traditional arts under the cultural vision of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the guidance of Culture and Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh.
A distinguished Third gender Kathak artist belonging to the Lucknow Gharana and a recipient of the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar from the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Devika captivated the audience with her deep understanding of Kathak and its traditions.
The programme, conducted by Renu Srivastava, began with a welcome address by UPSNA Vice-Chairperson Vibha Singh. Speaking on the occasion, she highlighted that the event was organized on the birth anniversary of Guru Kapila Raj and emphasized the Akademi’s commitment to preserving Uttar Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage while passing it on to future generations. She also felicitated Devika with a ceremonial angavastram.
Addressing students and art enthusiasts, Devika described herself as a disciple of Kapila Raj and said that she had come to share the invaluable lessons, experiences, and artistic wisdom she inherited from her guru. She encouraged young artists to remain focused on their craft rather than criticism, stressing that dedication and perseverance ultimately lead to excellence. She also urged aspiring performers not to be discouraged by limited resources, noting that determination and continuous effort are the true foundations of success.
During the lecture segment, Devika elaborated on various forms of aamad and explained the stylistic differences between the chakkars of the Jaipur and Lucknow gharanas. Her nuanced interpretation of different nayika bhedas through the composition “Dagar Chalat Dekho Shyam Kar Gahiyaan” earned enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The presentation commenced with a devotional Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu dance piece, followed by demonstrations of uthaan, upaj, thaat, gat nikas, and sawaal-jawaab, offering a vivid glimpse into the elegance of the Lucknow Gharana. Devika also showcased rare compositions associated with Kathak maestro Pandit Lachhu Maharaj and her guru Kapila Raj, drawing appreciation from connoisseurs and students alike.
The performance was enriched by the musical accompaniment of vocalist Ilyas Hussain and tabla artist Anant Prajapati, whose contributions complemented the presentation beautifully. The event served as both a tribute to a revered guru and an inspiring masterclass for the next generation of Kathak practitioners.
