Shivani Varma recently presented “Champaran Se Babu - An Ode to Mahatma Gandhi” in Kathak at the India Habitat Centre. The dance got one to think on issues pertaining to arts and beyond. Recent times has seen quite a few productions with an optimum balance of classicism or the natya dharmi nature of the dance and being lokdharmi.
Shivani’s experiment at featuring Mahatma Gandhi’s life through the medium of Kathak was a befitting lokdharmi attempt, worthy to take note of, especially when one sees Kathak’s evolution historically. From the temples when Kathak went to the courts, dancers tended to choose subjects delighting the patron rather than strictly sticking to the metaphysical ones.
The evening started with a documentary by the National Gandhi Museum on Mahatma’s life and times with some absolutely stunning footages of him and the leaders of past. Shivani then began her recital with “Satyamev Jayate” echoing in the background while the dancer tried to introduce the character of Mahatma Gandhi when he comes to Champaran, a place where everything is in complete despair but he, like an eternal hope enters the scene. She was accompanied by two male dancers executing some tatkar patterns.
Then came “Vaishnava Jana To” with a sweet literal translation of the text by the dancer showcasing the tyrannies faced by the Harijans, through some chakkardar todas, gat bhav, and parans. Next in line was yet another popular song Rabindranath Tagore’s “Ekla Chalo Re” with Shivani and the two male Kathak dancers presenting a another resounding tatkar session compelling one to comprehend the absolute necessity of peace.
Then there were also abstract pieces with hints of patriotic songs like “Sare Jahan Se Acha” and “Vande Mataram” where one saw the dancer twirling to the tunes of these melodious songs with a ribbon akin to the one used in rhythmic gymnastics, again highlighting the interesting lokdharmi content of her choreographies.
According to Shivani, “The production, ‘Champaran se Bapu’ is a narrative centred on the core beliefs of the Mahatma, the ones that he has epitomised. Satya, truth, ahimsa, non-violence, peace, non-discrimination; ideals like speak no evil, see no evil, hear no evil. Also included are his views on untouchability, equality for women, equality of people and above all love for all.”
Special mention must go to Sukanya Bharatram for ideation of the evening and Shivani’s able music composer and vocalist Pandit Jwala Prasad.
