Lasya, an institute of Indian classical dance, music and theatre has organised the Sopan festival of
dance ,music and theatre on Friday 16 th October and Saturday 17 th October at the exquisite Bharat
Ratna Lata Mangeshkat Natyagriha in Mira Road to celebrate the 75 th birthday of veteran Bharata
natyam and kathak danseuse, Guru Rajashree Shirke. As a mark of tribute, top dancers,musicians
and actors have come together to honour this outstanding mentor and performer with their artistic
interpretations. Besides individual presentations, outstanding theatrical productions would include
the story of Karna in Karnabharam, Sanskrit drama by Dr Prasad Bhide, theatre group from
Chandigarh – Kanak Di Balli and Ravan Mandodari Samvaad.
Top dancers who would make their unique presence felt are Odissi danseuse and mentor Guru
Jhelum Paranjape, Manipuri exponent and mentor, Guru Latasana Devi, Leading male Bharata
natyam danseuse of Mumbai – Pavitra Bhat, fine Mohiniattam danseuse and mentor Sujata Nair.
SNA awardee and leading mentor of Mumbai, Guru Rajashree Shirke says “This is a unique and
unusual way of celebrating my artistic journey for decades together, I have already completed about
thirty five performances and intend to complete seventy five performances by November next year,
with programmes all over India. I am glad so many performers have come forward to perform to
show their devotion for the arts and the artistic fraternity”.
GURU VIJAY SHANKER
