Natyasutra Online

Kathak Rendition of all the 24 Songs

The glory of Kathak is all set to be further enriched with a magnificent new Indian Classical Dance production. Guru Dr Pali Chandra has compiled, choreographed and composed all the 24 songs or prabandhas of Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda, a feat that has never before been accomplished in India’s recorded history. The 12th-century Sanskrit poem is an ode to Lord Krishna, and the Guru plans to represent all facets of the original composition. This is easily among independent India’s premier artistic endeavours. The project has been in the works for almost half a decade, with over 200 people involved in the production. Guru Dr Pali Chandra wanted to combine and recreate all the poem's stanzas, as this has never been done before.

The focus on Radha in this project will throw new light on the many complexities as well as the mystique surrounding her character. Guru Dr Pali Chandra explains the text carefully via dance, reimagining the various themes of this great poem, taking her students to medieval Odisha, where this orchestra of devotion was initially composed. She has joined hands with Natyasutra online, India’s largest digital classical art platform, for this project. It’s another recognition of the poem’s widespread acceptance among classical dance lovers.