Two-day exposition of Bharatnatyam: Ranagsree ends

Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

The two days exposition of Bharatnatyam performance by Kolpotoru concluded yesterday at Nat Mandal, Dhaka University.

On the first day, Amit Chowdhury with his solo performances, which were called Alaripu, Naransimha Kauthuavam, Varanm, Shivapadam, Keertanam, Thillana, amazed audience. Another performance by Arthy Ahmed, called Devarnama, was also performed on the first day of the event.

Amit Chowdhury and Arthy Ahmed are teachers of Kolpotoru. Under Amit Chowdhury's guidance the second day started with “Kolpotoru Ensemble.” The performances were Alaripu and Pushpanjali and Thillana, by Kolpotoru students.

Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

The special attraction of this programme was the two dance critics of the Indian subcontinent Sunil Kothari and Leela Venkataraman.

 The director of Kolpotoru, Lubna Marium, says that it is challenging to transfer an art like Bharatanatyam into a culture that is so different from that of Tamil Nadu's. “I'm always anxious whether we are going about it in the right way. When a child comes to me I feel it is a great responsibility. So, we have tried our level best to invite young and senior dancers to come and work with our students. I felt maybe it's time to show what we have been doing. So, in a way it is our first show,” she explains.