An Kalaangan initiative, Nazakhat, was organised recently at the Veer Savarkar Auditorium, Mumbai, as a tribute to two great Kathak legends—Padmashree Damayanti Joshi and Padmavibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj—who played a defining role in shaping the artistic journey of renowned Kathak exponent Guru Moli Siddharth.
The evening featured impressive performances by Guru Moli Siddharth and her disciples, with the highlight being a powerful interpretation of Draupadi’s pathos and suffering, conveying a strong message on the dignity and empowerment of women. The programme also included engaging Kathak presentations by Dr. Nutan Patvardhan and her disciples, and Neha Banerjee with her disciples.
A senior disciple of Damayanti Joshi, Guru Moli Siddharth has performed widely in India and abroad and continues to guide young dancers through Kalaangan. Her thematic dance productions, often blending poetry and social messages, reflect her belief that art carries a social responsibility.
By Guru Vijay Shanker