Shibli, Nipa And Hero Impress Delhi
The dancers came to Delhi all the way from Germany, Argentina, Sri Lanka, UK, South Africa and of course Bangladesh. They were in India to perform at the 2nd International Dance Festival on October 24 and October 25. Organised by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), the festival showcased the talent of foreign classical dance artistes who had trained in India under the aegis of dance institutions or renowned gurus.
Bangladesh was represented by three renowned dance exponents: Shibli Mohammad (Kathak), Shamim Ara Nipa (Kathak) and Anisul Islam Hero (Bharatanatyam). While Shibli had trained under the famous Kathak guru Birju Maharaj, Hero's guru is none other than Bharatanatyam dancer Leela Samson, currently director of Kalakshetra Foundation and chairperson of Sangeet Natak Akademi.
The trio was at its talented best during a 30-minute performance on October 25. The show began with two dancers from Argentina, following which the Bangladeshi threesome took the stage.
“Shiv Stuti”, an invocation to Lord Shiva, was a jugalbandi between Shibli, Hero and Nipa. This was followed up by a Kathak piece by Shibli and Nipa. Titled “Hey Manohar”, based on a song by Nazrul called “Mor Ghumo Ghorey Eley Manohar”, the item was evocative of the love between Lord Krishna and Radha. Hero's solo, “Hey Shabdam” centred on Krishna and his pranks with the Gopis.
Last came “Tarana” in Kathak style by Shibli and Nipa. “'Tarana' is a bit different from what is traditionally performed in Kathak,” said Shibli, who choreographed the item. “Our music director is the noted Sheikh Sadi Khan, while the song renditions were by two renowned singers Ferdous Ara and Salauddin. We were also greatly inspired by Pandit Ravi Shankar's music. The maestro came to Bangladesh around 1994, and performed a composition, which he had played at a concert in France. That was when we choreographed this piece to his music and performed it for him. His appreciation of 'Tarana' was a great reward for us,” he asserted.
Shibli and Nipa have set up a dance school called Nrityanchal. “At Nrityanchal we have almost 700 students,” said Nipa with pride.
Hero, founder director of Srishti Cultural Centre believes that Bharatanaytam is making rapid inroads into Bangladesh. “While, it may be a little difficult to understand the language, the costume, posture and style have made it popular in our country,” he said.
After Delhi, Shibli, Nipa and Hero are to stop over in Guwahati and Kolkata.
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