International Dance Day: Bareilly is the pilgrimage of dance for international artists Nalini-Kamlini

The city of Bareilly is very special for international artistes Nalini and Kamlini, who belong to the Asthana family of Bareilly. She says that the city where the famous Guru Jitendra Maharaj practiced dance, is no less than a pilgrimage in the world of dance. Modernity has definitely come in the dance with the changing times, but the feeling for the city remains the same.

Enthralling audiences with their performances in the field of Indian classical dance, the jodi Nalini and Kamalini are a big name at the international level as well. In the year 2022, he was awarded the Padma Shri in this field. On International Dance Day, he discussed about dance practice, attachment to Bareilly city and Jitendra Maharaj.

Nalini and Kamalini, born in Agra, told that their father's house is located in Kuncha Sitaram, Bareilly. She often comes to Bareilly and visits Trivatinath Temple and Bada Bazar here. He said that internationally the city is also known for jhumkas, dance with antimony and beauty.

Facial expressions have gone away due to increasing modernity

Kathak dancer Nalini- Kamalini told that earlier facial expressions used to color the performance more than dance. There used to be a small stage and select people, but with time the stage got bigger. The use of mics, speakers, cameras increased on the stage and dance became a means of entertainment. Now how can the viewer sitting far away see the facial expressions, and the depth of the dance cannot be understood without emotion.

Time is less, now the earlier practice is not done

For the young generation, he said that dance is a spiritual practice, the one who adopts it completely, only he can enhance it. In earlier times there was no recording facility. Preparation for each performance took several days and when the dance was performed, no one stayed for one to one and a half hours. Now the presentation has been reduced to 15 minutes. Earlier solo performances were the lifeblood of the programme. Now importance is given to the group.

Had met Guru Jitendra Maharaj in Delhi

World famous Kathak Guru Jitendra Maharaj was the pride of Bareilly. He taught dance for about 77 years. In Bareilly, he used to practice dance at the Trivatinath temple. He passed away in February this year. His disciple Nalini-Kamlini told that he met Jitendra Maharaj in Delhi. Staying there for many years, he learned dance from Maharaj and earned worldwide fame.

Before being a Kathak dancer, she was an athlete

Nalini told that many years ago her ankles got tied in her running feet. He started learning dance in class eight. Before that she was an athlete. She was the national champion in athletics for almost six years and has won the title of champion in the zone for 12 years.

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