From Nawabi courts to stage

Singer Dhanashree Pandit Rai and danseuse Keka Sinha plan to bring together music and dance together in traditional glory this week. Rai is a well-known thumri singer and Sinha specialises in Kathak. The duo met two decades ago, and decided to merge their two styles. By common understanding, the word thumri originates from thumakna, which relates to body movement. Kathak comes from katha, or stories. Says Rai, “Back in the day, they evolved simultaneously. But from kothas they went on to the concert stage, though separately. But in terms of thought, they always go hand in hand.” Explains Rai, “Though they had different origins, they evolved in the court of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah in the early 19th century and were later performed in kothas. Then they went their separate ways. We thought of this concept to have them performed together.”

The concert series titled Kathak Thumri Milaap was thus born. Says Sinha, “We had done this regularly over the years. But because of individual commitments we took a break. I am dedicating this to my first guru Reba Vidyarthi.” The first part of the show will be an Odissi dance recital by Sanchita Bhattacharya. Sinha says, “She is a talented dancer from Kolkata and will perform Nari Nariyani on the three phases of women.”

In a normal Kathak concert, only a couple of thumris are played, with the dancer’s focus on abhinaya, the art of expression. Here, both artistes will take centrestage. Says Rai, “Usually the singer and musicians sit on the side and the entire audience focus is on the dancer. Here we shall perform simultaneously, and the focus will be on how to blend the thumri form with Kathak.” The accompanying instruments will comprise the sarangi, harmonium and tabla. “Both these are traditional forms, and we shall not compromise on that,” says Rai. While Sinha adds that, “Dhanashree will talk about aspects like bhaav, and also sing related forms like hori, kajri and chaiti. I shall explain abhinaya, with relation to footwork, hand movements, and eye expressions.”

Rai has studied under famed Kirana gharana exponent Pandit Firoz Dastur, before being guided by great thumri singer Shobha Gurtu. Besides Vidyarthi, Sinha has learnt from Bandana Sen. Both artistes have been involved with individual projects. While Sinha has been doing solo projects, Rai is gearing up for a monsoon thumri concert at the end of June. She is also working on a video on Kirana alaapi, that will be dedicated to her guru Pandit Dastur. They are obviously excited to get back on stage together.

Kathak Thumri Milaap will take place at Swatantrya Veer Savarkar Auditorium, Shivaji Park on June 1, 7 p.m. onwards; entry free