Citygritty –Pune

Small is beautiful
“It’s a science first and art later,” says Subhash Kulkarni of Kalpataru Bonsai Study Group, which along with Concern India Foundation and the Pride Hotel will hold a bonsai exhibition on the terrace of the hotel. On October 2,3 and 4. The highlight of the exhibition will be an auction of bonsai masterpieces on the last day, the brainchild of Ajit Oberoi, Vice President of the hotel. Kalpataru, which is affiliated to the Indo-Japanese Bonsai Study Group, seeks to promote the idea that bonsai is suited to the modern lifestyle, fitting beautifully in small places and providing vital oxygen. “It’s a myth that bonsai is stunted. There are 400 varieties at the show. In Japan it’s a way of life, a singular form of cultivation, which requires a lot of patience and care,” says Kulkarni. Besides creating bonsai-awareness in the city, this is also Concern India’s way of raising funds for their projects for the underprivileged. Demonstrations on bonsai growth-`n’-care will take place twice a day, mid-morning andmid-afternoon. An exposition, definitely worth a dekko.

Singing in the rain
The rain fell heavily but the janta was there to watch Anuradha Paudwal perform for the Navratri Mahotsav, organised by the Shivdarshan Mitra Mandal at the Laxmi Mata Mandir in Sahakar Nagar. She was in her element and turned out to be quite a crowd-puller. She sang her hit numbers from Hindi and Marathi films. With numbers like Nazar Ke Saamne, Tumhe Apna Banane Ki Kasam Khai Hai, Dil Hai Ki Maanta Nahin, she played to the gallery, even singing a popular ditty for the children. The packed-like-sardines audience, with half of them without seating space, refused to budge till the programme was over. The loud sound and the general disturbance from the audience were jarring factors, but the organisers must be given their due, they did their utmost to see that everyone was comfortable. Anuradha Paudwal, who completes her silver jubilee year in playback singing this year, has a reason to smile. She will be felicitated by the UNO Club in United States of America as a “cultural ambassador in music”.

Gracefully yours
At the same venue, veteran danseuse Shama Bhate’s students presented a Kathak performance later in the evening. The group (called Naadrup) commenced with a Shiv-vandana which was followed by the traditional bandishes of Kathak. The purely classical item began with a chorus recital called the pardhant. The items were performed with grace and perfect synchronisation. This was followed by a Bandish, Chaal Chale Gori in Raag Jaijaiwanti. The dancers entered the stage, each one wearing a different ghunghat, depicting Radha and her stylish, graceful walk. Choreographed by Shama Bhate, the dancers were led by the elegant Manasi Tapikar and beautiful Kaveri Agashe. An enjoyable performance!