Pune
The Maharashtra Education Society (MES) and the Madhurita School of Kathak have jointly announced the launch of a diploma course in Kathak during the award presentation ceremony of Madhurita Sarang Memorial Award on Republic Day. Ravindra Vanjarwadkar, chairman of MES said, that Kathak is increasingly developing as a career option and this course will enhance the art world. Veteran danseuse Pandit Rajendra Gangani said that youth should be made aware and encouraged to take Kathak as a career option. The Madhurita Sarang Memorial Award was jointly conferred on tabla player Pandit Suresh Talwalkar and danseuse Kumudini Lakhia by veteran actor Chittaranjan Kolhatkar and music director Prabhakar Jog. Talwalkar, while accepting the Madhurita Sarang Memorial Award, said that the award has actually increased his responsibility. “Madhurita Sarang School has brought all arts together and artists and audience must understand that there is a common thread that binds various arts,” he said.
Speaking during the introductory speech, Archana Sanjay, principal of Madhurita Sarang School of Kathak said that the Kathak is not restricted only for girls. “The school is taking steps to popularise the dance type among boys as well. While it is important to develop artists, it is all the more important to develop a society with rich taste of art,” she said.
In the beginning, Madhurita Sarang School students including Manjiri Deshpande, Vedanti Bhagwat, Rachit Tiwari and Geetanjali B wowed the audience with their dance presentation. Veteran dansuese Rajashree Shirke also performed. The function was attended by well-known Kathak dancers like Manisha Sathe, Prabha Marathe, Sujata Natu, Ramdas Palsule, Yogini Gandhi, Sharvari Jemenis, Shambhavi Vaze, Sudhakar Kasture, Anil Valsangkar, Nanda Patil, Smita Patil-Valsangkar, among others.
