Padma Shri awardee Shovana Narayan, a name synonymous with Kathak, is the celebrated outstanding doyen of this art form. She embodies the spirit and ethos of Indian spirituality, classicism, and artistic excellence. For her outstanding, consistent, and trend-setting pioneering works in Kathak, she has been awarded the prestigious national awards of the Padma Shri Award by the President of India in 1992 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi award for 1999-2000 in 2001. She is a recipient of over 40 national and international awards.
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Q. Why was the Lalit Arpan Festival founded?
A. The Lalit Arpan Festival was conceptualised in 2002 by me along with Dr Jyotsna Suri and one of the most renowned tabla players, late Ustad Shafaat Ahmed Khan. The aim was to provide a platform to young artistes as well as to also showcase them along with reputed senior artistes and thus build up their confidence and create their space in the world of performing arts. Alongside, the aim was also to present to the audience, the rasikas, various streams of Indian classical arts, while also being inclusive of other performing arts like theatre and Western Classical music. Thus, various dimensions of the rich canvas of classical performing arts through solo and group presentations, through dance dramas and ensembles etc were presented. In its journey of 22 years, LalitArpan festival has till date, presented over 100 torch bearers of Indian classical performing arts that included some of the finest exponents of Indian Classical performing arts while recognizing young talents in these diverse and rich streams. Practising artistes from across the globe have been showcased in this festival down the years.
Q: Have you faced any challenges while organising the Festival?
A: One of the biggest challenges for all artists is financial resources. But God is great, and we are all grateful to Him for always helping us artists.
Q: Tell us about the significance of the title of the festival – DVIPARNA?
A: Every year, the festival has a theme. This year, the theme of the Lalit Arpan Festival 2023 is “DVIPARNA,” which centers on the two complementary principles of life seen through male-female, yin-yang, positive-negative, and virility-grace. It is, therefore, a journey through dualities, a poetic exploration of the seen and unseen, and the ancient and contemporary. It is a celebration of the harmony that arises when these dualities blend seamlessly in the realm of dance and music. Breathing life into the concept through their solo and duet creative presentations are well-known artists, torchbearers of their respective traditions: Dr. Pallavi Lohani (Kathak), Suhail Bhan (Bharatanatyam), Megha Nair (Mohiniyattam), and Vishwanath Mangaraj (Odissi).
Q: How does the theme delve into society?
A: The fabric of society contains several warps and wefts and polarities. In fact, through Dviparna, we recognize the basic dichotomy of the world we live in and seek a better understanding of this world and how we, as human beings, are woven into it. It attempts to portray the unity of opposites and the pursuit of seeking balance in life. Reality is fundamentally composed of two parts, two irreducible, heterogeneous principles that are sometimes in conflict yet complementary. The effort is to bring about harmony within each self, between the mind, body, and spirit, and also be in harmony with the environment. Dviparna, therefore, addresses the fundamental reality of life and seeks to convey the principle of balance and harmony.
Q: What can the audience expect at the Lalit Arpan Festival?
A: The Lalit Arpan Festival is an expressive way to celebrate our glorious heritage, culture, and traditions, and to celebrate talents. It also celebrates diversity and social cohesion, as the old and the young, the artists and the rasikas, the practitioners and the seekers are all bound by the thread of understanding.
Q: How has Asavari contributed to the world of classical dance?
A: In the last 55 years of its existence (Asavari Society was set up in 1979), it has, through its efforts, spread awareness about our rich cultural heritage and traditions. It has also empowered several young students and disciples, especially girls who have found their identity and have taken control of their lives. Their training in dance has enabled them to make positive decisions and support and sustain their families through their art.
Q: What was the thought behind holding the Festival?
A: It has also been a reflection of gratitude on our part towards our seniors who, in bygone days, encouraged us as young artists by being featured alongside and attending our performances. Lalit Arpan has sought to keep alive this spirit of gratitude to our elders and senior colleagues. It has also been successful in instilling team spirit in students as they learn to understand the intricacies behind holding a festival and efficiently discharge their roles in the festival’s organization.
