The leading exponent of Kathak, Pandit Rajendra Gangani, performed live at Parade Theatre, NIDA, on Saturday 6 April, as part of Kathak Mahotsav, staged by Sydney-based Swastik Institute of Dance. “It is one of the most incredible shows I have ever seen in my life,” said spiritual leader Bai Sheetal Shaant Anant, one of the guests of honour, after Pandit Rajendra Gangani’s performance. “I have lived in India most of my life and even there I have never seen a Kathak show like this,” she added.
The show kicked off with a 20-minute segment where Sydney-based students of Swastik Institute of Dance performed on stage. This was followed by a live performance by Pandit Rajendra Gangani’s son and accomplished Kathak performer, Sanjeet Gangani. But it was in the second half of the show, when Pandit Rajendra Gangani – recipient of the the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award – took to the stage and left the audience enthralled with mathematically precise footwork, mesmerizing twirls and vivid facial expressions.
“Watching Guruji on stage is always a hair-raising experience, and tonight was no exception,” said Ms Sumati Nagpal, artistic director of Swastik Institute of Dance. The artists performed to live music, thanks to some of the musicians who had flown in from India specifically for this show. Playing the table was Mr Fateh Singh Gangani; playing the harmonium was Mr Vinod Gangani, who was also the vocalist of the show; while playing the sitar was Sydney-based Mr Rashpal Singh.
Sanjeet Gangani Ji started his performance with Dhamaar – a 14-beat taal. With segments such as Uthaan, Paran, Tihai and Ganesh Paran, he left the audience impressed, finishing up with Ram Bhajan, depicting timeless stories from Indian mythology. Pandit Rajendra Gangani, on the other hand, started his performance with Devi Stuti, followed by todas of Teel Taal – a 16-beat taal – such as Thaat, Uthaan and Paran Aamad. But it was his performance of Mayur Ki Gat that brought the house down. Mimicking the grace and movements of a peacock through sharp body movements, complemented by vivid facial expressions, Pandit Ji delivered one of the best Kathak performances Sydney has ever seen, leading to a standing ovation from the audience. His Jugalbandi with the tabla player Mr Fateh Singh Gangani was also a highlight of the show. Mr Fateh Singh Gangani is one of India’s most talented and well-known table players – and he matched the sound of Guru Ji’s ghunghroos to the sound of his tabla – beat for beat, leaving the audience in awe.
This is not the first time Pandit Rajendra Gangani has performed live in Sydney. His performance at the Riverside Theatre in Sydney’s Parramatta also left people speechless in 2017. “Performing in Australia is always a pleasure,” he said after the show. “A lot of people of Indian diaspora live in this country. Often they visit India and, thereby, ‘visit’ the arts and culture of their country. Organising a show like this in Australia is like bringing the arts and culture of India right at your doorstep.”
The auditorium was packed with audience, including guests of honour such as spiritual leaders from Shri Paramhans Advait Mat: Bai Sheetal Shaant Anant, Bai Sheetal Sagar Anant and Mahatma Shaant Satyanand Ji. Mr Niravkumar B Sutariya and Mr Bal Krishan Anand from the Consulate General of India were also present on the occasion, along with Ms Niyati Mehta, Director of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, and Strathfield Councillor Raj Datta. The show concluded with Ms Nagpal inviting the special guests on stage – giving them an opportunity to present a token of gratitude to the visiting artists from India in front of the audience.
About Swastik Institute of Dance:
Swastik Institute of Dance is a Sydney-based performing arts school, specialising in various Indian dance forms, including Kathak, Bollywood, Bhangra, and Giddha.
Event Details:
Date and Time: 7pm, Saturday 6 April
Location: Parade Theatre, NIDA (215 Anzac Parade, Kensington, Sydney)
For more information, visit swastikdance.com.au
