Winter Bumper Issue

Saracchandrika, the annual festival of the Kathak Kendra of New Delhi for projecting solo talent from different parts of India, was strictly confined this year to the predictable parameters of conventional and orthodox Kathak but it maintained a high standard of performance. At the level of spotting very young talent, the organisers of the festival, held 20-22 October, can be justly proud of what they have achieved. Tiny tots Archana Tiwari and Gunjan Khare, disciples of Arjun Misra, the young teacher now attached to Kathak Kendra at Lucknow, held the audience spellbound with their poise and stage demeanour and with the sheer polish of their recital. Whether in purity of lines, rhythm or technique, the duo was second to none and what was specially pleasing was the neat presentation with every little detail worked out and fully rehearsed. Their stylishness and deeper understanding of the nuances of movement augurs well for the future, and if their considerable potential is not burnt out prematurely by too many concert appearances, they are bound to blossom beatifully. Hopefully, Arjun Misra is conscious of the care with which exceptional talent needs to be
nourished.