Anvat December 2024

Rohini Bhate (1924–2008) was a pioneering Kathak dancer, teacher, writer, researcher, and critic who contributed immensely to the Indian classical dance form. A recipient of prestigious honors such as the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and Kalidas Samman, she combined deep knowledge of Jaipur and Lucknow gharanas with her innovative approach to choreography and abhinaya. Her notable works include choreographies for Kālidāsa’s Ṛtusaṃhāra, Usba Sukta from the Rigveda, and Shakuntala by Vijaya Mehta.

Born in Patna and raised in Pune, Rohini initially trained in Bharatanatyam before dedicating herself to Kathak under gurus like Pandit Lachhu Maharaj and Pandit

Mohanrao Kallianpurkar. She also studied Hindustani music and used her musical expertise in composing for her dance. In 1947, she founded the Nrityabharati Kathak Dance Academy in Pune, where she trained hundreds of dancers over six decades, making Kathak accessible to middle-class families in Maharashtra.

Rohini explored ancient scriptures during a cultural delegation to China and authored numerous books in Marathi, including Majhi Nrityasadhana, her autobiography, and Kathak Darpana Deepika. She also served as an academic advisor and examiner for various institutions, including Khairagarh University and the Lalit Kala Kendra in Pune.

Her collaborations with artists like tabla maestro Chandrakant Kamat and Bharatanatyam exponent Kalanidhi Narayanan, along with her comparative studies and papers on Kathak, further enriched the art form. Rohini’s legacy continues through her academy, writings, and innovative approach to dance.

Guru Shama Bhate’s illustrious career spans over 50 years as a performer, choreographer, artistic director, educationalist, scholar, and advocate for the arts. She founded Nad-Roop in 1988, transforming it into a premier dance institute in India with a performing troupe, production unit (50+ productions), administrative wing (hosting national seminars and exhibitions), and a robust training faculty (serving over 1,000 hobby students and 150 BA/MA dance students globally).

A celebrated choreographer, Shama Ji blends traditional Kathak with contemporary elements, creating over 50 dance ballets and numerous compositions, and collaborating across diverse art forms, including cinema, jazz, and live orchestras. She has performed at prestigious festivals worldwide, winning global acclaim.

Her initiatives, such as “Quest for New Horizons,” “Rohini Bhate Dialogues,” and “Sansmaran,” promote classical dance across all societal levels. As a keynote speaker and educator, she has delivered countless seminars and lecture demonstrations internationally, championing Kathak and its cultural significance.

Prajakta Atre, known as Prajakta Raj, is a Kathak dancer, teacher, and choreographer with 41 years of experience. A senior disciple of Guru Rohini Bhate and Guru Roshan Datye, she trained under them extensively and currently studies Taal and Laya with Dr. Arawind Thatte.

She holds a Master’s degree in Kathak from Pune University’s Lalit Kala Kendra, where she serves as a Guru and Examiner. Prajakta is empanelled with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and has been an honorary teacher at Nrityabharati Kathak Dance Academy since 2006, where she is now Co-Director. She is also the Founder-Director of Aarohini Art Welfare Organisation, promoting Kathak and other arts since 1992.

In 2018, she received the ‘Nritya Shiromani’ Award at the American Natya Festival for her contributions to Kathak. Additionally, Prajakta holds a Master’s degree in French and has worked as a French lecturer.

Anupam Barve is a filmmaker, theatre director and film educator based in Pune. He is the co-director of the production company Rakhadi Studio.

His theatre production Uchhaad won the Best Play and Best Director at the Zee Awards 2023. His films have showcased and received critical acclaim at film festivals worldwide.

Raju’s artistic journey began with a chance encounter when an art school teacher noticed his paintings on ply boards at his father’s carpentry unit. This sparked his fascination with art, which he pursued formally at Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalaya, Pune, starting in 1987. Before art school, he honed his skills through practical work like posters, screen-printed cards, and 3D drawings for his father’s business. While studying, Raju delved into art history, drawing inspiration from Jackson Pollock’s abstract expressionism. Seeking to refine his craft, he engaged with renowned artists like M.F. Husain, Prabhakar Barwe, and Akbar Padamsee, which profoundly shaped his artistic perspective.

Raju’s work reflects a blend of Indian traditions and modern abstract art. He views painting as an intimate dialogue, where lines and strokes evolve organically without a predetermined concept. Over time, he has simplified his style, focusing on essential elements like structure and line, where every detail contributes to the artwork’s cohesion.

His process emphasizes texture, form, space, and particularly color, which he layers meticulously in his oil paintings to achieve a luminous effect. Recently, he has explored circular canvases inspired by the traditional Indian ganjifa cards, finding the format both challenging and stimulating. For Raju, a true artwork is a mirror of the artist’s inner self, capturing authenticity without pretense.

Kranti Kanade is an Indian filmmaker, who works in the Hindi and English film industries. His graduation thesis film, Chaitra (2002), won five National Awards. Kanade made his directorial debut with the children’s movie, Mahek in 2007. The

movie premiered at the BFI London Film Festival to rave reviews and was nominated at for the Best Children’s Film at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards in Australia. For his next, Kanade directed Harvey Keitel, Neeraj Kabi and Suhasini Mulay in Gandhi of the Month (2014).

In 2017 he directed CRD, with Vinay Sharma, Mrinmayee Godbole, Geetika Tyagi, Isha Keskar and Abhay Mahajan in prominent roles.

Taalyogi Pandit Suresh Talwalkar is one of the foremost Tabla maestros of modern times, celebrated for his contributions as both an artist and a Guru to Indian classical music. Born into a “Keertankar” family steeped in devotional and musical traditions, he was introduced to Tabla by his father, Shri Dattatray Talwalkar. He further honed his craft under Pt. Pandharinath Nageshkar, Pt. Vinayakrao Ghangrekar, and Mridangam maestro Pt. Ramnad Ishwaran, gaining expertise in both North and South Indian rhythmic traditions.

Renowned as a solo performer with a unique style, Sureshji has accompanied legendary artists like Pt. Gajananbuva Joshi and Pt. Nivruttibuva Sarnaik, whom he considers key influences. His innovative approach introduced vocal accompaniment to solo Tabla performances and enriched the art form with creations like “Taal Mala” and “Joad Taal,” earning widespread acclaim.

A visionary composer, Sureshji’s works, such as Taal Yatra and Laya Kalpana, and group concerts like Taal Mala and Taal Yatra, showcase his creativity and innovation. His compositions have inspired musicians globally, including jazz artists seeking his rhythmic expertise.

Rujuta Soman is an accomplished Kathak dancer, teacher, and choreographer, celebrated for her artistry and innovative approach. A disciple of Taalyogi Pt. Suresh Talwalkar and Pt. Rajendra Gangani, she specializes in the Jaipur Gharana of Kathak. Rujuta has received numerous accolades, including the Nritya Alankaar, Singaar Mani, Shree Nandini Award, and the Mrinalini Sarabhai Choreography Award. She leads the Rujuta Soman Cultural Academy (RSCA), which preserves and promotes Kathak through training, performances, and social initiatives.

Rujuta’s productions, such as Rajahansa, Trishna, and Bhairav Bhavataraka, have been widely acclaimed. She has performed at prestigious festivals like the Khajuraho Festival and Kathak Mahotsav and has represented Indian culture globally through ICCR, touring Europe and collaborating with renowned artists like George Brooks, Suha Khan, and Pt. Pravin Godkhindi.

RSCA also focuses on social causes, offering dance therapy and organizing charity shows. Its Aastha initiative collaborates with Tata Autocomp Systems on projects like Dance for Hope and Sound of Hope, bringing music and dance to underprivileged children. Additionally, Rujuta has choreographed for Marathi films and ad campaigns, further expanding her creative repertoire.