One can easily refer to Pandita Maneesha Sathe as ‘grand matriarch’, presiding over her immediate family consisting of her daughter, Shambhavi Dandekar, daughter-in-law Tejaswini Sathe and granddaughter, Sarweshwari Sathe. But she is not as stern as one would imagine her to be and the bond the family shares is strong, full of love, affection and respect for each other.
It’s apparent as we watch them interact, laughing fondly when Sarweshwari says that at one point she wanted to be an air hostess. Her mother Tejaswini recalls how as a child, Sarweshwari wouldn’t let her dance, and instead wanted to be attended to. Her aunt, Shambhavi, expresses confidence in the young dancer, saying, “We want Sarweshwari to get what she deserves, and no more. It is to her credit that she performs with us. At no stage have we felt that she is struggling or finding it difficult to cope.”
The four artists of three generations will be performing together in Nritya Dhaara, a dance concert, which will be held this evening and again on Sunday morning. Explaining the motivation that brought all four on the stage, Maneeshatai says, “It is a matter of pride and satisfaction that the three generations of our family are connected with Kathak dance. In classical art, we lay a great stress on tradition. The art form is enriched by the generations carrying it forward, and the best way to showcase this, we thought, was by highlighting this family’s investment in Kathak. Teju and Shambhavi have been practising and performing for years now. When I realised that Sarweshwari has the spark and potential, I felt that all four of us should do something.”
All four artists, from the seniormost to the juniormost, have equal and important role to play. The programme has a mix of elements like duets, solos and some pieces have all the four artists dancing. Shambhavi and Tejaswini joke, “Aai being the seniormost and Sarweshwari being the youngest are getting a chance to perform solo, which the two of us don’t have. This is not a structured programme. We have elements like Tri Devata Stavan, Hori and also Nayika Bhed, which is Aai’s signature show.”
Their previous shows of Nritya Dhaara in US connected well with the audience. “Nritya Dhaara is an inspirational dance performance. It embodies parampara, gharana,” says Shambhavi, adding, “And, it will be interesting to see how it will be carried forward. The emotional quotient for this programme is high.
“When we performed in the States, in April and May, the audience comprised members of three generations and when they came over to talk to us, they said they were inspired by us. When we conceptualised the show, we were sure that it would be liked. But we weren’t really expecting that people would be inspired by it. For senior citizens, it was an inspiration to see someone of their own age, (Maneeshatai) dancing like a 30-year-old. Over there, after Std XI and XII, they start college, and dance takes a backseat. But some high school students came over and told us that they will not give up dance. This was all very overwhelming for us. It will be interesting to see how this tradition is carried forward.”
That brings us to Sarweshwari, who has been quietly listening to her aunt, mother and grandmother speak. As a child, she grew up listening to the sounds of ghungroo all around her. Her mother, Tejaswini remembers teaching her students footwork, cradling Sarweshwari on her shoulders. “As soon as I would put her down, Sarweshwari would start tapping her feet. But when I would start dancing, she wouldn’t let me, holding on to my legs. I did wonder if Sarweshwari was interested in Kathak or not. But as time went by, her interest became apparent,” says Tejaswini.
Sarweshwari says, “I must have been seven or eight when I actually started learning Kathak. Prior to that, I would be watching other artists, my mother, grandmother and aunt practising. I just soaked in the atmosphere. And, then came the stage, when I wanted to be an air hostess. But in Std VIII, it became clear to me that it is the dance that I wish to pursue.”
Her aunt Shambhavi adds, “Sometimes the children in an artist’s family are exposed to performances and audience at an early age. As a result, expectations mount, but the children don’t have the capacity to cope with it or balance. So we have ensured that Sarweshwari gets the due that she deserves. This experience will prepare her for what lies ahead.”
Facilitating the young dancer’s presence on stage is a break from the traditional teaching format. And, Shambhavi explains what it means. “In Indian classical arts, including performing arts, a guru would give his student the permission to perform on a public platform, very late. But Aai always believed and practised that performance is an important part of your training. Learning how to perform is also a process. This is how Teju and I were groomed by Aai. She has done the same with Sarweshwari too. This is how the mindset of traditional art is changing,” she informs.
On the matter of change, we ask Maneeshatai about her observations about the audience, her students and her interaction with them.
“The biggest change that I have seen is that earlier when audiences liked a piece, they would clap. Later they started ‘ooh’ing. Initially, it would stun me. I would wonder if I am a part of semi-classical piece or a rock band. Now I have made peace with it. Times are a changing. We can’t always hark back to the past,” she smiles and says.
As far as the Guru-Shishya tradition is concerned, Maneeshatai avers, “I haven’t changed, nor have my methods of teaching. Such is our upbringing that we don’t praise anyone unnecessarily nor do we put down someone. We appreciate our students for their strengths as a dancer, as an artist and point out where they need to improve. Consistency, riyaz are important factors coupled with mental and physical strength and understanding. Those students who understand this know their place in the scheme of things.”
ST Reader Service
Attend Nritya Dhaara concert in which Pandita Maneesh Sathe will be performing alongwith her daughter Shambhavi Dandekar, daughter-in-law Tejaswini Sathe and granddaughter Sarweshwari Sathe. They will be performing this evening at Yashwantrao Chavan Natyagruha, Kothrud at 6 pm. On Sunday, the show will be held at Tilak Smarak Mandir, Tilak Road at 10 am. Tickets are available at the venues.
