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.