Even after 45 years of performing on stage, Shovana Narayan, one of the country’s best Kathak dancers, tells us she still feels the jitters before going on stage. For her latest festival, titled Tryst with the Past, she has been preparing and practising maniacally. But even then, she feels, life is full of uncertainties and exigencies and one never knows the ultimate will of God. “All you can really do is the best by your standard and ask for his guidance,” says Shovana.
Two ballets namely Jehan Ara: The Enigmatic Mughal Princess and Kadambari: The Poet’s Muse will be staged. ‘‘While Jehan Ara was a gifted poetess, Kadambari was well versed in classical Indian literature and was the critic and sounding board for her brother-in-law Rabindranath Tagore’s literary efforts. Both wielded great power. Jehan Ara’s influence could be seen in political realms. Kadambari’s influence could be seen in how she became the motivation and the poet’s muse who later went on to become a Nobel laureate. Those aspects to me are truly inspiring and I have loved exploring those characters,” says the danseuse.
Before every performance, Shovana doesn’t forget to send up a quick prayer. Maybe it’s her spiritual groundedness and sincere talent that has helped her come this far. For her, she tells us, nothing is as important as dedication, perseverance, practice, sadhana, going deeper and deeper into the subject, focus, sincerity and honesty about your own capabilities and ethics. ‘‘These are the only things that count in any profession and any situation,’’ she says.
Date December 11
(Jehan Ara: The enigmatic Mughal Princess);
December 12 (Kadambari: The Poet’s Muse)
Time 7 pm (guests to be seated latest by 6.40 pm)
Venue Kamani Auditorium, Copernicus Marg, New Delhi.
Entry Free