Small Talk

The right step
Kathak exponent Maneesha Sathe is organising a dance programme along with Eklavya Nyas,an NGO on February 13 at Tilak Smarak Mandir. The programme called – Parampara and Pravaha,would be a fund-raising attempt for underprivileged children,who live on streets. Sathe says,“We just cannot turn our eyes from the reality. The reality is hundreds of children in the city are living on the streets. Especially girl children who live on the street are sucked into the vicious cycle of sexual abuse and deprivation of their right of dignified life.” Highlighting the plight of urchins,Renu Gavaskar,president of Eklavya Nyas,says that these children are subject to many kinds of abuses and live a horrific life. “The organization aims to have beggar free city. And the first step is to make these children feel safe and secure,because insecurity leads to problems,” adds Gavaskar. Ticket for the event is available for Rs 100 to Rs 500.

Celebrated moves
Beginning the year on a rocking note,choreographer Shiamak Davar has bagged two awards — V Shantaram Award and Apsara Award — for his brilliant work in Hindi movie Rab ne Bana Di Jodi. In the firthcoming adventure film Zokkomon,he has choreographed Taare Zameen Par fame child artiste Darsheel Safary. “It is always a pleasure to be recognised for your work. Both V Shantaram and Apsara are amongst the most reputed awards of the fraternity and I am elated to receive honours from both of them”,says Shiamak Davar,who also runs his dance academy,SDIPA in the city.

Saintly tribute
Celebrating the season of love,Vasantotsav has singer Rahul Deshpande has come up with his new album Kabir Bani today. The album that will be released by Pandit Ajay Chakrawati,is also a tribute to Kumar Gandharva’s Nirgun Bhajan. Music,for the album,is given by Bhavani Shankar,Aditya Oak and Satyajit Prabhoo. A book on music by PSM Parlikar will also be launched that will facilitate understanding of music in the album. Talking about the album,Deshpande says,“It includes Nirgun Bhajans,which is an important part of Indian music. Nirgun Bhajans are thoughts of Sant Kabir in a poetic form,which is relevant even in today’s scenario.”