He is known for his powerful footwork, for his compelling story-telling, for his innovation of the Kathak Yoga, and most importantly, for taking Indian classical dance form Kathak to the US. We are talking about Kathak virtuoso, Pandit Chitresh Das, who is among the likes of late Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan with respect to spreading Indian culture in the US. And now, the Kathak maestro, along with Flamenco dancer Antonio Hidalgo, will make a pit-stop in the city to give Hyderabadis a taste of a performance where Kathak meets Flamenco.
More from Panditji himself: From Calcutta to California
Originally from Calcutta, Pandit Das first went to America in 1970 on a Whitney fellowship to teach Kathak. After that, he was invited to establish a dance program at the Ali Akbar College of Music (AACM) in California. However, by 1979, he left the AACM faculty to form his own dance school called Chhandam. And his Chitresh Das Dance Company (CDDC) was incorporated in 1980. “I want to make sure that people don’t forget their Indian culture and roots – whether they are in India or in America,” says Pandit Das, who has two dance schools in India as well.
Collaboration, not a fusion
According to Pandit Das, this collaboration with Antonio is very special. He recalls, “The idea to dance with a Flamenco dancer has been there with me since I was 14 years old and watched the film Around The World In 80 Days.” When he saw Flamenco dancers in the film, he wished to dance with them. And, now, when the Kathak maestro is 68 years old, he has been able to fulfill his wish. “I did get to collaborate with a Jazz tap dancer in the past. But, this is my first time with a Flamenco dancer.”
And, he is very particular about the fact that this performance is a collaboration and not a fusion. “Now-a-days, a lot of artists give fusion performances. But, this is a collaboration, wherein Antonio and I will perform our respective solo dances and will have our respective music and musicians,” he informs.
Kathak meets Flamenco
Even though Kathak is a north Indian classical dance and Flamenco is from southern Spain, Pandit Das points out a few similarities between the two dance forms. “These two dance forms do have a few similarities. Kathak has elements like tayari (strength), layakari (rhythmic virtuosity), khubsurti, and nazakat (beauty and delicacy), which are also a part of Flamenco,” shares Pandit Das, adding, “However, the major difference between the two would be that Antonio will be wearing boots and I will be dancing with bare-feet wearing heavy ghungroos.”
It’s all about saying Namaskar
Pandit Das, who always greets people with a ‘Namaskar’, says that today’s generation has forgotten our roots and culture. “I am not against saying ‘hi’ and ‘bye’, but they can use those terms that after they say ‘Namaskar’,” he says with a smile. He further urges all Indians, “I want my Indian people to not forget their roots and Indian traditions. Once our roots are strong, we can open up to the west or any other place.”
Future plans
Currently shuffling between India and America, Pandit Das’ plans are to continue teaching and performing, and he also wants to empower women. “I want to empower women through dance – whether it is Kathak or any other form of dance.” He further says that he loves teaching children. “I love to teach children because it keeps me going – it brings me down and keeps me grounded since teaching kids requires a lot of patience,” signs off the Pandit, with his siganture Namaskar.
‘Fastest Feet on Fire’ will be staged at Hotel Taj Krishna, Banjara Hills, on Sunday, 7 pm onwards.