An ode to freedom fighters, soldiers through Kathak
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To pay tribute to all the freedom fighters who had fought for our country’s independence, and all the brave soldiers who are serving the nation, Kathak exponent, Sanchita Abrol, is showcasing a new dance production, tonight.
Presenting the emotional side of our fighters through Kathak, Abrol, a disciple of Padma Shri Shovana Narayan, shares, “The purpose behind choosing this project is to re-imagine our cultural communities [through] Kathak. As a classical dancer, I feel a sense of responsibility to bring the many colours of Indian art and culture to the world [forefront].”
The show — which she has curated, scripted and directed — is titled, Pratsu (the Yoddha), and will feature three languages — Hindi, Dogri, and English.
“A soldier is someone who is considered as strong as a rock. [However] I believe he has an emotional side, too,” says Abrol, adding, “Once the training period is over, they are posted in places without networks. They miss their families, and that’s what I am narrating. It will be a scene from 1947.” For one part, the dancer will perform on the poetry of the late Group Captain, Randhir Singh, the only Indian Air Force officer to have been conferred with the Sahitya Akademi award.
And there are some parts that are inspired by Padma Bhushan awardee, Mahadevi Verma’s poetry, too.
“Through her words, I will portray the feelings of a soldier’s wife. A line from the poetry reads, ‘Mein tumhe mera nahi keh sakti, but mujhe tum par guroor hai’,” concludes Abrol.