THIRUVANATHAPURAM: Famous Kathak danseuse Sharmistha Mukherjee, the daughter of Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, was in the city for the Mudra festival
‘’I’m just not interested in politics,’’ remarked Sharmistha Mukherjee with a grimace. The curt reply did sound surprising especially when it came from the daughter of Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee. Sharmistha, the famous Kathak danseuse, was in the city for the Mudra festival, which concluded at VyloppiIli Samskrithi Bhavan on Sunday.
Her grimaced visage lit up as the chatter slowly switched on to Kathak, which she eagerly admitted as her dearest passion. “Although I grew up in an air engrossed with politics, my likes and fancies were different. It was my father who shaped my attitude and persona. I have inherited his liberal outlook which, in fact, inspired me to aspire freely and pursue what I want “.
Sharmistha holds an ardent quest for novel experimentations in Kathak. For her, it is this zest for new and unknown that forms the crux of her forte. ‘’I have always tried to cultivate a distinct style in Kathak. Mastery over rhythm and stylized mime are the peculiarities of Kathak”, elaborated the charming danseuse.
“In Kathak, we explore the structure of the dance form based on music, both instrumental and vocal. Kathak, often based on mythological lores, is a blend of various traditions. The performer embellishes the recitals with facial expressions, movements and gestures ,’’ she added.
It is not just Kathak that charms her. Sharmistha recently directed a short film based on contemporary dance titled ‘Beyond Traditions’. Her innovations in Kathak and her multimedia presentations on the dance form have always won her plaudits.
Hailing from the land of Tagore, she has always been lured by Bengali literature. ‘’I read a lot of Bengali literature, especially the works of Rabindranath Tagore. They instil nostalgic memories in me and inspire me for new compositions,” said Sharmistha, who recently did a Kathak performance based on Tagore’s ‘Monsoon Songs’.
Sharmistha feels that it is an honour to perform in Kerala. ‘’Kerala is home to some of the finest exponents in art. I have always felt that Keralites are great connoisseurs of art and artists,’’ she signed off.
trivandrum@expressbuzz.com