Two-day fest 'Smritiyaan' gets underway

New Delhi, Dec 12 (UNI) The two-day Indian classical dance and music festival 'Smritiyaan' got underway here last evening featuring Odissi exponent Sonal Mansingh, flutist Pandit Ronu Majumdar and Kuchipudi dancer Shallu Jindal.

The festival, organised by Pandit Chatur Lal Memorial Society, was inaugurated by French Ambassador Dominique Girard and Mrs Abha Dalmia by lighting the ceremonial lamp.

The programme opened with a recital in 'Rag Bihar' By Pandit Majumdar. His performance lasted about an hour and when the audience pressed for an encore, he gracefully declined, saying "definitely, but next time".

Next was a Kuchipudi recital by Shallu Jindal, wife of parliamentarian Navin Jindal. A disciple of Raja, Radha and Kaushlya Reddy, she started her recital with Sarswati Vandana 'Vina Vadani Varade...' Her Guru Raja Reddy played the role of a 'Sutrdhar' explaining the nuances of the recital to the audience.

From the 'vandana' she led everyone to the world of sculpture depicting how a sculpture comes to life to experience the joys of a living world.

'Krishna Shabdam' depicted the love, devotion and dedication of a Gopi for Lord Krishna.

She concluded with 'Trangam' performing on a brass plate like a Yogini.

Odissi exponent Sonal Mansingh began her performance with Manglacharan', offering herself to 'Devi', the supreme power ruling the universe.

Next was 'Champu'. She said in 'Champu' every line begins with the same alphabet. Here, she beautifully essayed the role of Radha. The recital depicted Radha in her supreme beauty and pride refusing to meet her lover, Lord Krishna.

The 'Pallavi' was set to the 13th century "Rag Shree". She said in this, every sound depicts the sound of a bird or an animal.

After her recital, she said, "I perform so that I can awaken souls." Talking about 'Smritiyaan' Charanjit Lal, son of Tabla wizard Pt Chatur Lal, said, through this festival, "we are trying to bridge the gap between Indian classical dance and music and Generation Next." Today, 'Smiritiyaan' will showcase Sitar recital by Renu Jain, vocal by Pt Ulhas Kashalkar and Kathak recital by Shovana Narayan.

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