MUSIC/DANCE
1. A LIFE IN DANCE /Beta/ Col/ 60 min/
3 films/ English: Contemporary Indian Dancers
This amazing one hour series potrays the life and dance
of three well known dancers. These are:
1. 'A Life in Dance - Daksha Seth':
Daksha Sheth has a fast growing reputation, as one of
India's most exciting and progressive contemporary dance
artists. Trained in Kathak by Padma Shree Smt. Kumudini
Lakhia and Padma Vibhushan Shri. Birju Maharaj, and in
Mayurbhanj Chhau by Guru Krishna Chandra Naik, Daksha has
won acclaim in India and abroad as a performer of both
styles. As a choreographer, Daksha has worked within the
parameters of Kathak and Chhau, creating new works that have
enriched both traditions. She has also expressed her
creativity through innovative items that, going beyond the
boundaries of tradition, seek a powerful, contemporary, yet
uniquely Indian idiom of dance. This film won the Best Debut
Director Award at the National Competition Section of the
Mumbai International Film Festival.
2. 'A Life in Dance - Kelucharan
Mohapatra': Padma Vibhushan Guru Kelucharan
Mohapatra is a renowned exponent of the Odissi dance form.
He is one of the great gurus or teachers who saved the
900-year-old dance form of Odissi from falling into
oblivion. It is his determination and his passion for the
dance that has helped place Odissi among the classical dance
forms of India. At the age of 75, the guru dances with
unmatched grace and vitality. This film juxtaposes his dance
with his life.
3. 'A Life in Dance - Raja Radha Reddy':
A film about Raja and Radha Reddy, the well-known and
internationally acclaimed Kuchipudi dancers who brought this
sacred dance form of Andhra Pradesh to the fore
internationally. In spite of ostracisation from their family
and community they persevered towards their goal and were
only accepted once they made their mark and won critical
acclaim in the press. The film documents their struggles and
achievements and explores their life in dance.
2. A VISION FULFILLED/ Beta/ Col/ 30
min/ English: Sangeet Research Academy in
Calcutta
Where classical traditions flourish in a contemporary
avatar. Where there is no caste, class, religion but only
music. This film is about such a place, The Sangeet Research
Academy in Calcutta, which imparts music training. This film
was selected for the International Film Festival,
Bombay.
