Dehradun: SPIC MACAY’s Uttarakhand chapter presented an impactful Kathak lecture demonstration by the Padma Bhushan Awardee, Dr. Uma Sharma, at Sunrise Academy and Mussoorie International School today. She was accompanied by Kunal Mukherjee on Vocals, Mubarak Khan on Tabla, Khalid Mustafa on Sitar and Sukriti & Anoushka Dutta Gupta as dancers. The program was supported by SRF Foundation.
During the occasion, Dr. Uma Sharma captivated the audience with her insightful discourse on the various intricacies of Kathak. She intricately demonstrated the myriad expressions, movements, and symbolic representations inherent in the Kathak art form, delving into its rich history and evolution.
Under her guidance, disciples Sukriti and Anoushka Dutta Gupta showcased exquisite parans, thukaras, and delivered a soul-stirring rendition of the timeless Bhajan ‘Ramchandra Kripalu’. The portrayal of the Kaliya mardhan and Raas leela episodes left the audience spellbound.
Reflecting on the experience, one of the students remarked, “Dr. Uma Sharma’s lecture demonstration was not just informative but truly transformative. Her insights into Kathak’s hand gestures, facial expressions, and rasas were enlightening. Witnessing her bring Krishna’s butter bash to life was an unforgettable experience.”
Dr. Uma Sharma, a distinguished exponent of Kathak, has dedicated her life to preserving and promoting this ancient art form. Born in Delhi in 1942, she received her training from illustrious gurus of the Jaipur and Lucknow gharanas, enriching her repertoire with a creative fusion of traditional and contemporary elements. Her contributions to Kathak, including pioneering compositions and impactful dance dramas like ‘Stree,’ have earned her acclaim both nationally and internationally.
Earlier during her circuit, Dr Uma gave lecture demonstrations at Tonsbridge School, Ecole Globale International School, and Scholars Home Poanta Sahib. She will be performing for the next two days at All India Institute of Medical Sciences and DSB International Public School Rishikesh.
