Dances on TV and their viewing - my view only

For many years I tried to copy a dance step, which I saw in film Kalpana. The dancer did fly doing steps. The famous duo of sisters Ragini and Padmini did the song “Tu hai mera Prem Devta” in film Kalpana. But I did try for few years then gave up since I could not do it. Later as I grew up and came to know that the films are made edited, and now effects are inserted by computer. In film Avatar we could see the partial Human and partial aliens. The set on which the dance of film Kalpana was shot was superb. I think what they might have done with it. Whether they broke it down?. I think they must have conserved it. It was a work of ART. The SHIVA statue and the wall fresco with engraved sculptures, all were superb. 
 

Both the characters were in a competition and offering their Kalaa tapasya (the art of dance) to the God. And from that dancer whose dance the lord wakeup will be the winner. There are two Bhaav. One is the swift, energetic and proud of itself. The other one is as we call Dheer-Gambeer, the serious full of Bhakti and devotion towards the lord. The chirrupy was portrayed through the GANGA, who is always considered as full of energy and proud of her own power. The other was portrayed through GAURI the consort of Shiva who is always devoted to the Lord SHIVA, A true Bhakti. When we see the dancers, one can immediately gets glimpses of their mood and kind of personality. First is the dress and second is the body movement. The Ragini ji has assumed the Ganga, who is always energetic. The ornaments and the dress were matching to the personality of Ganga-who is full of power and proud-ness and shows this by her movements. As I have read in the story of Ganga avataran. Shiva knew this side of hers. That’s why he was ready and alert to protect others from drowning by the power of Ganga, which she intended before coming down. But the power was brought under control by the Lord Shiva’s long traces of hairs. That means scientifically speaking the Turbulence force was controlled by the putting enough small channels so that the force is diverted in many directions and not in one channel. Like to distribute the one gushing river water into many smaller canals so that water gets distributed in these smaller channels and does not effect much in the main river.

The other dancer was dressed in a well manner not too loud and not too flashy. Padmini ji portrayed the Dheer Gambheer and devotion with her movements. Both of them were great and very learned artists. They were the part of Trio known as Travancore (trio)sisters. I read in the illustrated weekly a news article about them many years back (almost 30 years). I still don’t remember much about Lalita ji the third sister member of trio.

The backdrop was also powerfull and made its impact on the aesthetics, and well accompanied the dance sequences; the camera was all through made us to see whatever was possible with the techniques. Remember at those time the technology available to those camera man. They have done the impossible job. Since they thought differently and tried to bring the imagination alive for us. They succeeded in their work. I salute all those involved in making these songs, picturisation, writers, screenplay etc.

I remember a day when I had gone to house of Dolly didi with one of my distant cousin. She was classmate of Dolly didi. In Chakravarty they had a tape recorder. They played the song “Tumko dil diya itni naaz se”. On hearing The song immediately started dancing(inside somewhere) not in their home. The beats and the sound of music was so powerfull that one cannot resist swaying with the beats.  Later one day I saw it in chitrahaar on Doordarshan.  Ragini and Helen ji were there in the dance. They did superb job. I don’t imagine anybody finding any fault with their dancing. Remember in those days when technology was not so advanced.

  Both the Ragini and Helen ji have done perfect job. The Choreography was excellent and the music was mind blowing. Anybody who has inclination to the good music will certainly praise the way the play of beats was brought out in this song and over that the dance steps to meet the beats was also a tough job. The song is pleasant on ears but the dance was very difficult to choreograph. I don’t know whether in those days any award was given to choreography and costume etc. This dance was one of the most suited for the top slot.

But still till day I remember and keep remembering the day when I heard the song on tape recorder of Dolly didi at Type two, IIT Kanpur. I am thankfull to them for letting me hear that song. I hope that Smt Shanta Serbjit Singh reads this page and comment on it’s contents. I consider her as the first Guru, who through her articles on Dance in newspaper always inspired me. And More so living at Kanpur I got the news of happenings in Dance scene. There was no question my going everywhere just see DANCE. As a boy I was expected to study and become someone and not a naachwala or nautanki wala etc.

Dance program on Doordarshan

25June 2009

Malati Shyam

There was a programme on Doordarshan featuring Malati Shyam. Some days,  I have seen that TV shows dance program in 7 or 7:30 time slot in addition to the National Program of dance. Earlier it used to come on Late night on Sundays. Now they have changed it to Thursday or some other day. I have lost the track for few years.

The first visual was very good. It was one of the best aesthetically decorated backdrop on TV I saw this year, with lot of modernity. Fresco in background was from Gupta and Mauryan period. The stage, where the dancer was dancing looked like wall of mirrors.

Introducer told that she belongs to Lucknow gharana. All the accompanied artists were seated on right side of dancer and were visible on the camera, which was very good. Overall, due to camera angle and editing whole concept looked very good to eyes. Dancer was fully enjoying her dancing, which is a must for any performance for its success.  My guru Shri K D Srivastav at Kanpur used to tell us that if you like your performance true from heart then only you can think that audience will also like it.  In many performances we can see that the dancer is making extra efforts to perform, and if it is noticed then it is considered as a drawback.

I could compare Today’s program with the very first program churned out from the then newly established CPC at Delhi, After that Malvika Mitra and Madhavi Mudgal were the first few programmes made by the CPC. I think they shot it at Baradari Lucknow or in the Lucknow Zoo.

Few famous names were associated with these national programs of dance, of which I can recollect are of Kamlini Dutt. Or some Mukherji

In today’s program, watching through the camera I felt as if I am sitting in the hall, where the dancer is performing. That means the camera technique was good.

Name- Malati Shyam is not new to me. Malati was one of the members of ensemble of Guru Birju Maharaj. Whenever Kathak Kendra or Gururji  performed in or outside the Delhi, she was there as a team member. She was also teamed with Durga Arya, Saswati, later Veronique Azan, Aditi etc. She had been part of the team of Birju Maharaj whenever they came to Kanpur to perform.  Many times they came for programs of Railways.

I had seen them at IIT Kanpur, Merchant Chamber hall, and at MotiJheel Kanpur, etc. Those days she was Malti Rawat.

Theme song was correctly chosen “AaJ mori Kalai murak gai”. In blue dress she was looking nice and she had always been a “decorative” in Maharaji’s group.

In my performances I have observed that I take lot of bhramrees. That I find very awkward though. But in the Thumri which Malati was performing, she was also taking chakkars every now and then. They looked too much, but it must have been necessary for her Thumri. Actually these chakkars are taken while changing into characters.  Very often it is taken to change or to show different moods or emotions.

Later when I was learning under guidance of Smt Prerna Srimali ji at Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Delhi, She many times pointed out my mistakes while taking the chakkars. My body tends to tilt too much on one side while taking chakkars. Thus aesthetics plays a role in dance. Every stance must be pleasant.

However, still we don’t have enough schools where many subjects are taught together with dance. As I read in the book on Anna Pavlova, the great Ballet dancer that there was a school where various subjects were taught to students. India has rich heritage of ancient knowledge. There must be some school where we can learn philosophy, Aesthetics, Language (Sanskrit, English), Literature, Arts, science, earlier there was TURKSHAASTRA- means the art of reasoning or rationalizing etc, Mathematics, and all that we can consider worth teaching the new generation children. Lot of Dance stalwarts have started their own school. But the dream of complete teaching is missing. The blame is put on the society and current affairs. I think Late Protima Bedi had dreamnt of starting an ashram for dance. But God did not agree with her and she was called back while she was on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

But, result is that nowdays we don’t find dancers of caliber of Pt DurgaLal, Pt Birju Maharaj, Lachchu and Sambhu Maharaj. Their art or their teaching was so complete that there was no part of art in which they don’t have any knowledge.   

Name Game-- what is in name??

what is a name?? there was time when people used to fight if they hear a name sounding from enemy country. like when one said i am from MAGADH, what would have been the reaction of other person? similarly if one has said i am a LICHIVI then what person from MAGADH will think and how he will react? There was some meaning attached to name.
like when BanBhat had told that he is Katyayan. That means he is from that family.
When in book "BanBhatt ki atma katha" the word was described for Kanyakubj- that had a meaning attached to it.

Actualy if we search the dictionary of English language, what you will find the meaning of the word INDIAN?, have anyone tried???
But we keep on saying that our India... and we are proud Indian...
without knowing the meaning and the concept as to how the name INDIA was coined? who coined the name India? What was the meaning that time?
It was certainly different from BHARAT. 

moving Nadella as CEO

What will change on having Nadella as CEO? Having an Indian as CEO how will it benefit “India”-a panorama” ?       How once the “Jewel of the crown” now the southernmost in list of developing countries will going to be benefited?

Will it mark an era of  availability of Tab or tablet PC to every student in India costing say 2000/- I would be happiest if they are available for Rs 2000/- More so Exclusively made in India? By that I mean every single part is “Made in India”. SO will Nadella at Top help the Made in India (the logo) reign supreme in global arena?

If it will cost Rs 2000/- per student I will be able to donate to about ten students instantly!! in my ancestral village (near Shobhan Temple, Kanpur) Is IT Ministry is listening or they lent a ear to me? somewhere in media, I read there are comparisons about the choice of Nadella or Steeve- over their hobbies- their choices of games/sport etc?? Is all this required for a CEO?/

Once upon a time I was having a false sense of proud feeling by knowing that maximum numbers of Indians are in Silicon Valley. “Software” is ruled by NRIs. How did that benefit India, my intent was in Hinterland of India.

Basic things changed. I am at least able to speak to someone in my village just by Mobile!!

As a child we used to write letters to our relatives there, They reached, if landed safely at his doorstep- If the post man was of that area or having a kind heart. I had seen the condition of surface mail at Kanpur Railway Station. Where there was a secret way out of platform, which I used to get out of station quickly without losing time just to catch the IITK bus.

Kids at village now are most “Polluted” in their minds. Earlier the radio transistor was sole instrument for their connection to the outside world. In fields I had seen how they enjoyed the cricket match? Despite of the fact that there was no motorable road to that village. we used to walk few kilometers through the fields to reach that village. Often a bullock cart used to help us. Specially when my grandmother accompanied us. She was daughter of that village. Earlier people living in that village on main road used to recognise us and lend us help in traveling/resting etc. Now days boys or youngsters are busy  watching videos/games in their handy devices and who cares for us. Village boys know about TITANIC and Pretty women and Katreena/ Munni etc.

Village areas have store of PORN Videos promoting the foreign habits/ alien things in the indigenous conservative orthodox vulnerable young minds- undermining the after effects of this import of Impurity.

I was shocked one day in May 2012, while traveling from IITK gate to Bithoor at around 7:30 in night. A private bus was full to its capacity, still it was picking up the passengers- at that stretch of road nobody wants to risk their life by being on road in dark. I found people from nearby villages returning to homes in the bus. Who came to city for various purposes- Medical treatment- etc since there is no big hospital in rural Kanpur area, everyone comes to Hallet(as we know it) or the goal Chauraha, gutahia,  awadhpuri, Rama or near motijheel area etc few had meeting with lawyers or hearing at courts (kachehri), few came for purchasing essential goods –jewelery for daughter’s marriage, dahej (dowry), few young from Kanpur University, coaching institutions, workers returning after hectic day in office, Labour going back. But the back seats were reserved for young WORKING FORCE. I was pushed backward in the bus. There to my shock I saw people watching Porn Videos in their mobile, and as a mass media, means two or three persons watched on same mobile screen.

Irony was these belonged to most orthodox families of villages and they watch such things which comes from most open society. Mostly there were oral ones followed by actual hard core action. Those were traveling back from Rawatpur, Kalyanpur, IITK gate, to narayanpurwa, ALIMCO, Mandhana, Chaubepur even to shivrajpur. it was a surprise to me and unbelievable to me. This was the scene at the area where I spent childhood in safety of IIT Kanpur campus walls—it was a walled city for me??

But the campus was most connected place in those days. In 1984-1986 I came to know that people at Kanpur can communicate with people in USA within few seconds using ERNET or some such name. At IITK they log-on to their computers and send a message in some language and they received reply in few seconds. Then I heard that some professors (I think, prof Sadagopan!!!, if that is correct) log on to their computers at Bangalore or some mysterious places while sitting at IIT Kanpur. All that sounded Mysterious to my ears in those years (1980 to 1992). But outside that walled city not much changed, the dark polluted nallah went on to meet the pure Ganges near Bithoor. Most of the children in nearby villages droped out. Pollution was on rise. Due to urbanisation, sanitation and safe disposal of waste took back seat. But with Indian(s) at top in several global companies/agencies, can we change the scene? CAN we make India proud to say "Make In India" Made in India- a global tag.

bhojsala

IT was a dream to see the Bhopal for the Rashtriya Manav sangrahalaya, the Rang Bhavan, The Begum Bhopal’ heritage and legacy, the BHOJ Shala and all that which I became aware during my continued path of education.

IT was certainly a gift of GOD that I could visit the Bhopal, but alas, as foolish I am, due to laziness I could not utilize much of opportunity provided by the Almighty. I cannot complain to him about that.

SO what, I could actually breathe the air of the place. Was that anything less for me? NO it was great to feel the same air, the same sky, and the same vibrations as those people felt. By that I mean the Begum Bhopals (there were many of them), May be the Kings like raja Bhoj, The city I loved, where the shooting of the film the CUSTODY of Ismail merchant was done(as much as I know). The Bhopal is similar to Bhoj Pal.  Isn’t it?

The temple at high-rise in Bhoj pur (sala), no doubt, is of ancient origin. It looked to me as an assembled one. The etchings on the nearby rocks show some kind of the design plan for the temple and its different angles. The designs of arches, pillars etc are also drawn on the rocks. But Pity. After having known this temple for such a long time no steps have been taken to protect those engraving on rock from the onslaught of the weather. When I saw it Many drawings have faded and more are going to be washed by rains and destroyed by heat(may be).

At least few temp. sheds could have been erected on those engravings. Ironically there was an old looking building. Which as local people told it was a kind of guesthouse, where high privileged visited. If that is not correct then of course huge fund had been utilized in making these unused brick structures and on the other side the important engraving were left open under the sky.

Early in childhood I used to read the AMAR chitra Katha, stories of Raja Bhoj, Chandragupta Vikramaditya (both the pratham and dwiteeya). Now we get confused as who is who and what each has done and what each of them has significance to the Indian History.

Then there was a young child named Shalivahana, who, as legend goes, was born to an eight year old girl. Some “shraap” was on the Vikramaditya-I that a boy born to an eight-year girl would kill him. Legend has it that a “pot maker” or Potter, not the Harry potter, raised the boy and his mother.

The boy grew up amongst the commoners (at that time) and not in the elite class. He fought with the mighty king-The Vikramaditya-I. He is credited to introduce the language of the commoners into the court of the Kings. Earlier the language of God- the Sanskrit- was the court language. (the place is now taken by the elite English now days).   Which was never done before. As, the Shalivahana was a common man of that time, with lots of common sense. So he introduced it for the benefit of all.

Threads of social fabric

I am listening to the song HAJI ALI from the film FIZA. This recent film is touching upon a controversial topic of riots, fundamentalism and partition etc, I haven't seen this film till now but only few trailers on TV. While hearing this song on my computer, I noticed some eyes were full of amazement and looking at me. It was clear that there is doubt in their minds. How come this a Brahmin, enjoying the Qawali on “Haji Ali”. The song plays continuously on the media player till you close it.

In backdrop, Afghan war is ensuing for past 30 days. Many views appeared in the media from several quarters over the division/ polarization of the world into Muslims and the rest. Few in India took it to the division of Muslims itself. Fanatic and "liberal –moderate Muslims". Danger was that it was done vis-a-vis Hindu and fundamentalists. They are stretching the point too much. Terrorism is now world vide phenomenon.  And only those who want a tag of liberal or secular are using this kind of comparison. Mainly they are from English media. I think they think of themselves as a global citizen. The danger is that these are the people who can or may influence the political thinking of any country or community. Which will result in the exploitation of the poor the common man.

I am amazed to see Muslims of many countries are demonstrating against the US attack. By this they themselves creating this impression of linking the terrorism with the religion. It may be like If India wages war against the Dawood Ibhrahim and the Terrorism and by virtue of his being in PAK (as reported by the media) the Muslims of world start demonstration against India.

A report came up in the HT that talks between Afghan and US were going on for last three years to hand over Osama till the September 11.

I just want to confine myself to India. Why the protests were not held when there were killings in J&K. or they had some hidden agenda to give religious flair to the terrorism in J & K.  Neither the Muslims nor the rest of the world spoke at the brutal killings (either sikhs or others) in J & K. Whereas the country stood up when killing of two Christians was reported. The So-called the secular, were in the forefront and tried to build pressure on the Centre. It has to be accepted that people sitting in Delhi have a clout.

HAJI AlI of Bombay (now MUMBAI) has a special place in my life. Eight years in marriage they ran here & there, for search of a boon- a child. Though they might have performed puja daily to please god. But the single visit to the Dargah oF Haji Ali blessed them with a son -that is me. Later I also visited the Dargah and paid my obedience at Haji Ali. My parents also visited Ajmer Sharif and Salim Chisti Dargah.  they had wished that if their desires were fulfilled they would visit these Dargah of the famous Sufi saints. The belief now I have inherited.

Next time we visited these places again in 1976 & 1982. This time all the brothers and sisters prayed together to these saints. Tradition continues from generation to generation.

As a child we used to visit Hardoi, the native place of my maternal grandmother. Bus from Hardoi city would take us to a spot on road to sandi. At the stop there were only shops and few houses on both side of the road. The road formed the mid rib of the village. One shop neighboring the well was of Jumman Mia the tailor of the area.  He was surrounded by the an old sewing machine, few glittering pieces of cloths few with faded colors, one assistant a boy of 14 to 15 years of age, nearby three four goats were enjoying there time jumping running eating all over the place. Two loyal dogs patiently looking at us the intruder to their territory. His beard was the only distinguishing sign from others. Noticeable things were an aluminum pot with a stout and the round cap over his head. He was a jolly fellow.

To his query that to whom I want to visit. I told about my grandfather. To my surprise, the place, which was looking deserted and inaccessible, suddenly became spacious and filled with energy and warmth. Takhat was empty he cleared of all the cloths etc. Three four persons from the other shop arrived. They fetched drinking water from the well and a bullock cart was arranged for us to reach Murauli village. Whenever Grand mother was with us we never faced any problem on the way. She was daughter of the village and aunty to all of the area. and people in that area were all in some way or the other were uncles, brother etc. Since she belonged to this village thus all residents of that village are my relatives..!!!. What a great place we belong to?

She would share jokes with Jumman Mia and his group. Some times she would curse somebody and also bless some. All this goes on in a very healthy atmosphere.

Back in city where my grandmother lived at the end of the lane there was a house full of Reshmas, aiyishas begums etc. Often they would come to fetch drinking water from our house in absence of any municipality tap. The well was inside of our house. These ladies call out for my grandmother standing at gate. My grand mother never denied for drinking water though there was some resistance from tenants.

At the end of the lane there was a Sarai, originally this place is meant for travelers for resting etc, this sarai must have been built during mughal period. It was big a rectangular compound eclosed by walls on all sides and two gates. The boundary wall was very high and huge domes were mounted on four corners. A pathway passed through the Centre. There was a huge well inside. This well would be full of buzz whole day.

Later I heard that one Saabir Mia bought this sarai. In sarai lived kallu my childhood friend. Whole atmosphere of the sarai was very pleasant. There were trees of Tamarind some of the pomegranate, few of guava and berry. Some were NEEM trees. The Street was full of activities whole day. In pre noon hours vendors would roam selling their items from the spices to many mysterious things. I came to know many things in the life through these activities on this street. How the Printing is done on the cloths, How the copper, brass etc utensils are polished, How the knives edge is sharpened. How the cotton is prepared for filling in the lihaf Rajai (quilt). How the wax toys are made. How the toys of sygar are made. How that sweet paste is made from which You could get watch, horse driven cart and bullock cart.  I think they were able to make any shape, only thing was you had to name it. Seeing men wet with sweat during Long hours of preparation of the stuff was very painful and noteworthy.

The sarai housed at least twenty families. Few dwellings were vacant. visitors used to occuppy these. There were street magician, toy makers, merchants etc. In the first house lived one Maulviji. He had prescribed few remedies for me also. He was considered to be having some mysterious powers. Whoever in need would rush for his help. He would simply close his eyes and prayed and then exhale air on the patient. Muttering some mantar (not the mantra, I prefer to write in this way) and a big PHOONK.

There lived a gang of notorious ducks (such was my experience). The leader was big black duck. While crossing the sarai I was chased by this devil. He with his elongated neck chased and squeezed on my leg. That was very painful.

There was 'kallu ki dai' as my grand mother called this lady, to whom my grandmother approached for eggs for me. A doctor prescribed one egg for me, hence my grand mother contacted this lady. She had few hens. One was without any feathers on the neck. Surprising thing was that the hen was kept tied with small rope in its leg. Even my household was strict vegetarian, but when doctor told one egg a day for me, My grandmother without thinking approached someone whom she knew would help.

I do remember that on one festival, girls in SARAI made small mud houses two to three story tall. Well decorated with colors. Proper staircase and rooms windows and domes every thing was there to see. I do not remember the actual name of the festival. But I used to take part in making of these houses.

Then there was another one when everybody made small Tazias. Some used the colored paper and some used the glittering papers. When this TAZIA procession was taken out on the streets the ladies, daughters would carry their babies under the tazia. Supposedly that would bring good luck and long life to the baby. Many families regardless of the religion did this.

I had on some occasion accompanied some friends from sarai to a local Masjid. Where I noticed they would line-up in front of the gate or staircase holding baby in their arms and the elderly or all those coming out of the mosque after prayers would give mouthful of air to the children. This is known as "Foonk" or "Phoonk" in our local dialect.
On the ID or EID my neighbours had always sent the raw SIMAI or semia gud (jaggery), dates, sootpheni, etc to our house, knowing that my grandmother and mother are strict vegitarian. Thus no cooked food will be allowed from their house. They thought thatat least this would be cooked in our house and we will eat it. Similarly we recirpocated all these in our Diwali, Holi etc. And i ams sure many of our people in Mohallas of old Lucknow, Kanpur etc always did this for generations. That was known as GANGA JAMUNI Tahzeeb. It had continued since 500 years or more so.

Incidently in Hardoi, it is a saying that ancestors of my grandmother fought with muslim nawabs and won few villages. But they kept one village for themselves and chose to settle there. They had originally came from MATHURA region. They were known as PATHAK brothers. Thus the village is known as Pathakan ki Murauli.