Kathakali by K.Harikumar & Kathak by Neha Banerjee

Kathakali by Sadanam K. Harikumar & troupe

Kathak by Neha Banerjee & troupe

An NCPA Presentation

Sadanam K. Harikumar is a highly celebrated, multi-faceted Indian classical artiste from Kerala, known for his extraordinary contributions as a Kathakali performer, vocalist, playwright, painter and sculptor. With a diploma and scholarship from the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of India, Harikumar practised Kathakali under Keezhpadam Kumaran Nair and Sadanam Balakrishnan at Gandhi Seva Sadanam Kathakali & Classical Arts Academy (an institution founded by his father, the freedom fighter K. Kumaran, in Pathirippala, Kerala). He has directed and choreographed many kalasams and other works, and incorporated stagecraft for Islamic characters like Vavar and mythological characters like Salyar, Ghatotkacha and Dronar. By creating, directing and rendering into Kathakali strain, novel stories like ‘Sapamochanam’, ‘Karnaparvam’, ‘Chitrangada’ and ‘Manikantha charitham’, he expanded the artistic horizon of Kathakali and helped popularise it. Even Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar has been brought into the realm of Kathakali with the name Charudatha. Harikumar is currently the Secretary of Gandhi Seva Sadanam Kathakali & Classical Arts Academy.

Neha Banerjee is an acclaimed, senior Kathak exponent, choreographer and a prime disciple of Birju Maharaj. She is highly active in the Chennai classical art circle through her academy, signature festivals and collaborative productions. Banerjee serves as the Founder and Artistic Director of Kathak Darpan, which holds the distinction of being the first Kathak institute in Chennai affiliated with the UGC-recognised Akhil Bhartiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, allowing students to earn recognised diplomas and degrees. She curates the popular annual multi-genre classical art event, Smriti, hosted at the Rukmini Arangam, Kalakshetra, Chennai. The three-day festival, which showcases various Indian classical dance forms, serves as a tribute to her guru.

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