Kathakali by K.Harikumar & Kathak by Neha Banerjee
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Shoorpanakhankam
Kathakali by Sadanam K. Harikumar & troupe
Taal Vani
Kathak by Neha Banerjee & troupe
Sadanam K. Harikumar is a highly celebrated, multi-faceted Indian classical artiste from Kerala, known for his extraordinary contributions as a Kathakali performer, vocalist, playwright, painter and sculptor. With a diploma and scholarship from the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of India, Harikumar practised Kathakali under Keezhpadam Kumaran Nair and Sadanam Balakrishnan at Gandhi Seva Sadanam Kathakali & Classical Arts Academy (an institution founded by his father, the freedom fighter K. Kumaran, in Pathirippala, Kerala). He has directed and choreographed many kalasams and other works, and incorporated stagecraft for Islamic characters like Vavar and mythological characters like Salyar, Ghatotkacha and Dronar. By creating, directing and rendering into Kathakali strain, novel stories like ‘Sapamochanam’, ‘Karnaparvam’, ‘Chitrangada’ and ‘Manikantha charitham’, he expanded the artistic horizon of Kathakali and helped popularise it. Even Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar has been brought into the realm of Kathakali with the name Charudatha. Harikumar is currently the Secretary of Gandhi Seva Sadanam Kathakali & Classical Arts Academy.
Neha Banerjee is an acclaimed, senior Kathak exponent, choreographer and a prime disciple of Birju Maharaj. She is highly active in the Chennai classical art circle through her academy, signature festivals and collaborative productions. Banerjee serves as the Founder and Artistic Director of Kathak Darpan, which holds the distinction of being the first Kathak institute in Chennai affiliated with the UGC-recognised Akhil Bhartiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, allowing students to earn recognised diplomas and degrees. She curates the popular annual multi-genre classical art event, Smriti, hosted at the Rukmini Arangam, Kalakshetra, Chennai. The three-day festival, which showcases various Indian classical dance forms, serves as a tribute to her guru.
Taal Vani is an exploration of rhythm as a universal language—where classical Indian dance vocabulary meets the primal, resonant energy of the Djembe. The production brings together three master practitioners in a dialogue that transcends boundaries of form, geography, and tradition. Rooted in the grammar of taal yet open to cross-cultural exchange, the work unfolds as a journey from invocation to abstraction, from structure to spontaneity.
Through intricate compositions, improvisational exchanges, and layered rhythmic architectures, Taal Vani celebrates both individuality and confluence—culminating in a shared pulse that unites artists and audience alike.
The performances will include:
1. Naad Aarambh – Invocation to Shiva
The performance opens with Shiv Panchakshari presented in five jatis. This segment establishes the spiritual and rhythmic core of the evening, invoking the cosmic dancer through synchronized movement and percussion, with all three artists on stage.
2. Taal Prastaar – The Architecture of Rhythm
An intricate exploration of rhythm through cycles of 7 and 9 set against a lehra in Teentaal (16 beats). This segment builds through layered calculations and culminates in a powerful resolution on the sam, embodying both precision and exhilaration
Compositions in 7 by Neha Bannerjee
- Compositions in 9 by Vishal Krishna
3. Naad Ekak – Djembe Solo
A solo presentation by Taufiq Qureshi, showcasing the tonal depth, texture, and dynamic range of the Djembe. This section serves as both contrast and expansion—bringing a global rhythmic voice into the framework of the evening.
4. Parampara Samvaad – Dialogue of Lineages
A rich exchange of compositions from diverse traditions—Majaraji, Taufiq Qureshi, and Vishal Krishna. This segment highlights the purity of gharana aesthetics while allowing them to converse and intersect organically.
5. Chaturang – Raag Jog
A layered composition in Raag Jog, integrating rhythm, melody, and expressive movement. This segment offers a shift into a more interpretative and emotive space, blending technicality with artistry.
6. Antim Jugalbandi – Rhythmic Confluence (Finale)
A high-energy jugalbandi of footwork and percussion. The artists engage in a spontaneous yet structured rhythmic dialogue, pushing boundaries of speed, control, and creativity—culminating in a powerful and celebratory finale.
An NCPA Presentation
Age Limit: 6+
Late entry will not be permitted.
Kathakali by Sadanam K. Harikumar & troupe
Taal Vani
Kathak by Neha Banerjee & troupe
Sadanam K. Harikumar is a highly celebrated, multi-faceted Indian classical artiste from Kerala, known for his extraordinary contributions as a Kathakali performer, vocalist, playwright, painter and sculptor. With a diploma and scholarship from the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of India, Harikumar practised Kathakali under Keezhpadam Kumaran Nair and Sadanam Balakrishnan at Gandhi Seva Sadanam Kathakali & Classical Arts Academy (an institution founded by his father, the freedom fighter K. Kumaran, in Pathirippala, Kerala). He has directed and choreographed many kalasams and other works, and incorporated stagecraft for Islamic characters like Vavar and mythological characters like Salyar, Ghatotkacha and Dronar. By creating, directing and rendering into Kathakali strain, novel stories like ‘Sapamochanam’, ‘Karnaparvam’, ‘Chitrangada’ and ‘Manikantha charitham’, he expanded the artistic horizon of Kathakali and helped popularise it. Even Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar has been brought into the realm of Kathakali with the name Charudatha. Harikumar is currently the Secretary of Gandhi Seva Sadanam Kathakali & Classical Arts Academy.
Neha Banerjee is an acclaimed, senior Kathak exponent, choreographer and a prime disciple of Birju Maharaj. She is highly active in the Chennai classical art circle through her academy, signature festivals and collaborative productions. Banerjee serves as the Founder and Artistic Director of Kathak Darpan, which holds the distinction of being the first Kathak institute in Chennai affiliated with the UGC-recognised Akhil Bhartiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, allowing students to earn recognised diplomas and degrees. She curates the popular annual multi-genre classical art event, Smriti, hosted at the Rukmini Arangam, Kalakshetra, Chennai. The three-day festival, which showcases various Indian classical dance forms, serves as a tribute to her guru.
Taal Vani is an exploration of rhythm as a universal language—where classical Indian dance vocabulary meets the primal, resonant energy of the Djembe. The production brings together three master practitioners in a dialogue that transcends boundaries of form, geography, and tradition. Rooted in the grammar of taal yet open to cross-cultural exchange, the work unfolds as a journey from invocation to abstraction, from structure to spontaneity.
Through intricate compositions, improvisational exchanges, and layered rhythmic architectures, Taal Vani celebrates both individuality and confluence—culminating in a shared pulse that unites artists and audience alike.
The performances will include:
1. Naad Aarambh – Invocation to Shiva
The performance opens with Shiv Panchakshari presented in five jatis. This segment establishes the spiritual and rhythmic core of the evening, invoking the cosmic dancer through synchronized movement and percussion, with all three artists on stage.
2. Taal Prastaar – The Architecture of Rhythm
An intricate exploration of rhythm through cycles of 7 and 9 set against a lehra in Teentaal (16 beats). This segment builds through layered calculations and culminates in a powerful resolution on the sam, embodying both precision and exhilaration
Compositions in 7 by Neha Bannerjee
- Compositions in 9 by Vishal Krishna
3. Naad Ekak – Djembe Solo
A solo presentation by Taufiq Qureshi, showcasing the tonal depth, texture, and dynamic range of the Djembe. This section serves as both contrast and expansion—bringing a global rhythmic voice into the framework of the evening.
4. Parampara Samvaad – Dialogue of Lineages
A rich exchange of compositions from diverse traditions—Majaraji, Taufiq Qureshi, and Vishal Krishna. This segment highlights the purity of gharana aesthetics while allowing them to converse and intersect organically.
5. Chaturang – Raag Jog
A layered composition in Raag Jog, integrating rhythm, melody, and expressive movement. This segment offers a shift into a more interpretative and emotive space, blending technicality with artistry.
6. Antim Jugalbandi – Rhythmic Confluence (Finale)
A high-energy jugalbandi of footwork and percussion. The artists engage in a spontaneous yet structured rhythmic dialogue, pushing boundaries of speed, control, and creativity—culminating in a powerful and celebratory finale.
An NCPA Presentation
Age Limit: 6+
Late entry will not be permitted.
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Where is it happening?
National Centre for the Performing Arts, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021. INDIA , Mumbai, India 400021, Maharashtra, India
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherNCPA Mumbai
