Journalism of Courage
Kathak exponent Sitara Devi’s life and art has defined the transformation of the dance form
Many decades ago,there was a girl who studied Kathak and its intricacies with an élan uncommon in an 11-year old. One of her performances had lasted three hours and,by the end of it,she had been blessed by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. This little girl today is today known as the ‘Kathak queen’. Octogenarian Sitara Devi has set her own style and inspired generations of artistes. And she has fond memories of her initial days and the tryst with Tagore; “As I thrust out my hand to receive gifts,I remember my father nudging me and whispering in my ear: “Dont take only the gifts! He is a great man,ask for his blessings,girl!” Obediently,I asked Gurudev to bless me that I will become a great dancer some day. True to the blessing,Sitaradevi has witnessed the dance transcend and blossom into what it is today.
Jayantimala,visibly concerned about her mother’s health,takes over the conversation. “She is a little unwell. Can’t talk much.” With her mother as her guru,Jayantimala considers the dance form a family inheritance,one that she wishes to protect and preserve. “I believe classical dance will never have an end. A lot of glamour may seep into dance and the arts,but their classical form will always flourish,” she says. The renowned solo performer has now also started presenting kathak recitals based on the sufi compilations of Sant Vithal.
The Kathak Mahayagya concluded on Saturday,which also saw Sitaradevi conducting a workshop at Nandkishor Sabhagruha,Nigdi.
