Time feels no urge to move when a heavenly atmosphere is created around you through an art form. There are many performers who entertain people and showcase their talent. However, there are few like who can really take you on a spiritual journey through the power of their performance. Abhimanyu Lal is one such performer. A highly accomplished Kathak dancer, he recently managed to take his audience to Varanasi where they met the great Shivaya. And it all happened during his 40-minutes-long Kathak performance at the India International Centre on September 21.
A fabulous Kathak interpretation of ‘Varanasi Ke Vishwanath’ was performed by him which regaled the audience. The evening will remain a memorable one for the art enthusiasts and admirers of Abhimanyu who witnessed his splendid interactive performance. Satyanarayana Raju from Bangalore also presented ‘Shiva as Brihadeshwara’ through Bharatanatyam.
The beautiful show was curated by Ms Usha RK, Member Secretary, Advisory Body on Intangible Cultural Heritage, and it underlined the theme that Shiva is not frighteningly angry all the time.
The event started with lamp lighting by Usha RK and other vital people from the field of art and culture. After a brief introduction, a talented artiste Satyanarayana Raju portrayed Shringara Shiva in ashta raga combination. Following this linear and subtle side of Bharatanatyam was a vibrant and poetic style of Kathak, where the endowed artiste Abhimanyu Lal made a remarkable entry on the hymn, “Ardha Kanth Pe Vish Ki Dhara”.
In his jovial voice, he developed an amazing rapport with the audience and took them on a spiritual journey to the dhaams. He put his spontaneity on display when he matched his footwork to the taal given by his wife, Kathak dancer Vidha Lal, and the musicians’ team. A bhajan, “Darshan Do Mahadev” in raag Yaman Kalyan gracefully concluded the show. The stunning artistry left spectators in complete awe.
“I am thankful to Usha Ji for coming up with such a wonderful concept. In last three weeks, I could not think of anything but Lord Shiva,” said Abhimanyu Lal. His technical precision and sheer devotion actually took everybody on a sojourn journey to Shiva Kshetra.
Abhimanyu Lal, son and disciple of renowned guru Smt. Geetanjali Lal is recognized as one of the most accomplished Kathak dancers in the world. The splendour of his brilliant solo performance has earned him applause both in India and other parts of the world. Hailed as a bright star in the firmament of Kathak, Abhimanyu has received acclaim in the media and by connoisseurs of arts. He has been awarded Shri Krishna Gana Sabha Endowment Award and Nritya Jayantika Award. Presently he is on the teaching faculty of Kathak Kendra, New Delhi.
