Kathak Solo Dance by Neha Seshadrinath

Neha Seshadrinath is a disciple of the internationally acclaimed dancer duo Smt. Nirupama and Sri T. D. Rajendra. She has trained under their tutelage for over 15 years.

She begins her recital with Shiva Stuti, 'Phalanetra Hara Pinaki', which portrays Lord Shiva's attributes. This composition calls for a very energetic performance which Neha aptly delivers.

This is followed by Taal, set to Teentaal - a 16-beat rhythmic cycle. This composition, exploring the pure dance form of Kathak, includes tukdas, tihais, parans and a gat-bhaav which depicts the episode of Sita Swayamvar. The lyrics for the gat-bhaav have been brilliantly composed by Shatavadhani Dr. R. Ganesh.

Neha then performs the popular Tulsidas bhajan, 'Thumaka chalata Ramachandra' and the ghazal' Ek naari dekhiyaa' by Ibrahim Adil Shah. These two compositions beautifully bring forth the story-telling aspect of Kathak.

Neha is ably supported by a wonderful set of musicians, comprised of Smt. Nirupama Rajendra on the Padanth, Sri Praveen D. Rao on Tabla, Sri Chaitanya Bhat on vocals, Smt. Shruti Kamath on Sitar and Sri Shivalingappa Rajapur on flute.