Legacy redefined

An autobiographical account of the life of American dancer- Isadora Duncan,the book was translated by Bhate under a cross cultural project initiated by the Government of Maharashtra. Unfortunately however,it was never reprinted after its first edition got sold out. Scheduled to be re-released on November 12,by Rajhans publications,Dilip Mazgaonkar,publisher,says,“Personally,I loved the book. I had heard people talking either about Isadora Duncan or the Marathi translation,but soon,I realised the book was virtually out of sight. I think it didn’t reach proper readers. It deserved to be read by every literary enthusiast.”

Having witnessed the making of the book since day one,Shama Bhate,Rohinitai’s disciple has written apt foreword for the new edition of the book. Commenting on the hard laborious research that went in writing the book,Bhate says,“Today,life is all about Google and mouse clicks. But back then; if a person wanted to know about something,it needed a lot of efforts. I remember Rohinitai would visit libraries,talk to people,write and re-write hundred times and the effort she put in has showed in the book.”

Besides being well-known dance patrons,Rohinitai and Duncan shared the zeal to express themselves. Their perspectives of looking at their respective art forms might have been different but their goals were the same. A confluence of a traditional artist like Rohiniji and the courageousness of Isadora’s personality is something that reflects on every page of the book. “When I was small,Rohinitai had taken me to watch a film based on the life of Isadora. With my upbringing,I was shocked to see Isadora’s rebellion and her courage to do what she wanted to. It made a deep impact on me. The same could be said of Rohinitai as well. She brought me into dance and her dignified and subtle beauty really made me feel inspired. I was awed by her bearing,” smiles Bhate.