BOSTON– Kathak Rangmanch Pravesh by Arshia Sharma made history as for the first time ever all participating singers and musicians, including the graduating artist, were first generation U.S.-born Indian Americans.
The event was held on June 30th at the packed auditorium of Littleton High School in Littleton, MA, under guidance of Ms. Sharma’s guru: Moumita Banerjee.
In an exclusive interview with INDIA New England News, Ms. Sharma talks about her Kathak journey, leading to her Rangmanch Pravesh and beyond.
To watch the full interview, please click here, or on the image below.
“Rangmanch Pravesh” is a term that literally translates to “entrance onto the stage.” It signifies a pivotal moment in a student’s artistic journey – the transition from training to the professional performance realm. This milestone represents years of dedicated training and discipline under a Guru’s guidance, symbolizing a significant achievement for both the dancer and their teacher.
The Rangmanch Pravesh ceremony celebrates the dancer’s readiness to share their artistry with wider audiences, as they embark on the next phase of their professional career. It is a transformative moment that honors the student’s hard work and the Guru’s commitment to their artistic development.
Kathak is one of the eight major forms of Indian classical dance, with its name rooted in the Vedic Sanskrit term ‘Katha,’ meaning “story,” and ‘Kathakar,’ meaning “the storyteller.” Historically, Kathakars were wandering bards who used dance, music, and song to narrate stories from ancient epics.
Kathak developed in the temples and courtyards of North India, gaining prominence during the Bhakti movement when it primarily depicted themes of devotion, especially the divine love between Radha, Krishna, and the Gopis. It later evolved and incorporated elements from Mughal court dances, adding a layer of refinement and sophistication
Kathak dancers narrate stories through a sophisticated interplay of hand gestures (mudras), intricate footwork, fluid body movements, and expressive facial expressions. Mudras convey specific meanings, supporting the narrative. The rhythmic footwork, enhanced by Ghungroos (ankle bells), is central to Kathak. Graceful bends, swift chakkars (turns), and elegant upper body motions contribute to the fluidity of movement. Facial expressions, or abhinaya, are particularly critical, with the eyes playing a pivotal role in conveying the emotional essence of the story.
The Guru: Moumita Banerjee
Moumita Banerjee is the Founder and Artistic Director of Tarana School of Kathak LLC (TSK). She began her Kathak journey at age three, training in the esteemed Jaipur Gharana tradition under Smt. Susmita Chakroborty in Calcutta, India.
Moumita’s academic achievements are as impressive as her artistic journey. She holds a Bachelor of Music (M.Mus) degree from Banaras Hindu University, the largest university in Asia, where she was awarded a gold medal for securing the top position in her discipline. She also earned a Master of Performing Arts (MPA) with a specialization in Kathak within the Lucknow Gharana from Bhatkande Music Institute in Lucknow. Further, she holds a Prabhakar degree, equivalent to a bachelor’s in Kathak, and a Senior Diploma in Kathak with distinction from Prayag Sangeet Samiti in Allahabad. Moumita honed her craft under revered gurus such as Prof. Kumkum Dhar, Prof. Bina Singh, and Prof. Ranjana Srivastava, and benefited from workshops with the legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj, a luminary of the Lucknow Kathak Gharana.
Moumita’s passion for Kathak extends beyond personal enrichment. She founded Tarana School of Kathak to promote the art form and impart its traditional essence to aspiring dancers, ensuring its enduring legacy. In addition to leading TSK, Moumita teaches at Gurukul Enrichment Center in Littleton and collaborates with children with special needs, leveraging the transformative power of Kathak dance in their developmental journey.
The Shishya: Arshia Sharma
Arshia, a recent graduate of Brooks School in North Andover, MA, is poised to commence her collegiate studies at Northeastern University. Introduced to the art of Kathak at the tender age of 3 by her mother, Mrs. Vandana Sharma, Arshia embarked on a transformative artistic odyssey that has since enriched her life.
Arshia’s formative years of training at the Chhandika Institute of Kathak Dance, under the expert tutelage of Guru Gretchen Hayden, laid the foundational groundwork for her burgeoning passion for Kathak. During her middle school years, she had the distinguished privilege of honing her skills under the guidance of esteemed teachers Archana Gurur and Himanshi Patel. For the past six years, Arshia has flourished under the nurturing mentorship of Guru Mrs. Moumita Banerjee at the Tarana School of Kathak.
Under her Guru’s nurturing tutelage, Arshia has showcased her prodigious talent through captivating solo and ensemble Kathak performances at various events across the greater Boston region. Beyond her mastery of Kathak, Arshia’s artistic endeavors have also encompassed distinguished roles in acclaimed theatrical productions such as Six, Chicago, Footloose, and She Kills Monsters during her tenure at Brooks School.
Driven by a genuine commitment to social welfare, Arshia actively engages in initiatives championing women’s empowerment and environmental conservation, demonstrating her steadfast dedication to catalyzing positive change within her community. As she embarks on her collegiate journey, Arshia remains resolute in her pursuit of Kathak, embracing it as a profound artistic passion.
The Orchestra
Aditya Shah – Vocalist
Aditya Shah’s remarkable journey has seen him excel in both music and technology, showcasing extraordinary talent and dedication. Recognized as a prodigy, he seamlessly bridges diverse musical worlds with passion. Discovered and mentored by the legendary Pandit Jasraj, Aditya joined the esteemed Mewati Gharana, earning admiration from luminaries like Anup Jalota and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. His spellbinding performances at prestigious venues worldwide, including the Nehru Centre in Mumbai and the Pandit Motiram Maniram Sangeet Samaroha in Hyderabad have earned him widespread acclaim. Among the youngest recipients of prestigious awards, Aditya remains committed to making his Gurus proud. Besides Indian classical music, he excels as a Western classical pianist and vocalist, showcasing versatility in seven languages.
Balancing dual careers with dexterity, Aditya’s academic achievements at Dartmouth reflect his unwavering commitment to propagating India’s musical heritage. His journey embodies a synthesis of excellence, academic rigor, and cultural synthesis, captivating audiences worldwide.
Swati Sharma – Vocalist
Swati Sharma is a seasoned Hindustani classical vocalist with over 25 years of experience. Trained under Pandita Sagarika Kanjilal of the Patiala gharana and Pandita Pooja Goswami Pavan, she follows the lineage of Vidushi Meera Banerjee and Vidushi Begum Akhtar. Swati has also learned from Pandita Rekha Surya, a disciple of Vidushi Begum Akhtar.
Renowned for winning prestigious vocal music awards in New England, Swati has earned recognition from senior artists across gharanas. She excels in semiclassical genres like thumri, dadra, and ghazal, seamlessly blending traditional techniques with contemporary nuances.
Swati’s expertise, passion, and powerful vocal range have established her as a distinguished artist in the Indian classical music community of Boston and beyond.
Pranav Ghatraju – Tabla
Pranav Ghatraju began his Tabla training at age 5 under Dr. Nishikant Sonwalker at Learnquest Academy of Music. Currently, he studies under Ustad Shabbir Nisar, son of the renowned Tabla maestro Ustad Shaik Dawood Khan of Hyderabad. Pranav actively accompanies artists and delivers solo performances in the USA and India, earning praise from esteemed maestros. In 2007, he received a scholarship from the New England Conservatory, and in 2010, he was recognized as a 20 Under 20 awardee by INDIA New England magazine.
Pranav’s excellence in North Indian classical music was further showcased when he won the under-15 category of Crescendo 2011. Most recently, in 2023, he was honored with the Rising Star Award from India New England, solidifying his reputation as a rising talent in the field.
Michael Dwan (Bunty) Singh: Sarangi
Michael Dwan Singh, a sarangi player and producer from Cambridge, MA, is among the few sarangi artists thriving in the US. Under the tutelage of Dr. Kashyap Dave for over a decade, he carries the legacy of the revered Ustad Sultan Khan from the Sikar gharana.
Singh’s distinctive playing style, influenced by Punjab’s sufi and folk mystical traditions, sets him apart as an artist. He has performed extensively across the US, the Middle East, and India, showcasing his talent as both an accompanist and solo performer.
In addition to his live performances, Singh has contributed his sarangi expertise to various film and audio projects, including the Miss Marvel soundtrack and an upcoming album for his band, The Shadow Notes. Through his remarkable musical journey, he continues to preserve and share the rich heritage of the sarangi, a rare and captivating instrument, with audiences around the world.
Kavya Valiveti – Harmonium
Kaavya Valiveti’s musical journey began with Carnatic music under her mother, later exploring Western classical. For 12 years, she has trained under harmonium maestro Pt. Dr. Ravindra Katoti, who has dedicated decades to promoting the instrument.
Kaavya has showcased exceptional talent through solo performances, jugalbandis, and as an accompanist, earning recognition for her harmonium mastery. Under her esteemed mentor’s guidance, she continues pushing the boundaries of the instrument, captivating audiences with her expressive and technically proficient renditions.
Kaavya’s musical journey reflects her passion, discipline, and the rich legacy she represents.
Sachit Kurup – Bansuri
Sachit Kurup’s musical journey began at a young age on the violin, bansuri, and vocals. For five years, he has rigorously trained in Carnatic flute under Guru Shri Karthik Krishna.
Sachit’s dedication and talent are recognized through accolades, including winning the Hindi Manch Sa Re Ga Ma Pa competition at 7. He recently received the prestigious IAGB Youth Icon Award in 2023, solidifying his status as a rising star.
Sachit’s mastery of multiple disciplines and unwavering commitment have made him a versatile, accomplished young artist. As he continues honing his Carnatic skills, Sachit remains dedicated to pushing boundaries and inspiring generations, his journey testifying to the power of music and youthful potential.
Pallavi Nagesha: Master of Ceremonies
Pallavi Nagesha is a distinguished Bharatanatyam dancer, dance teacher, and the founder of Bhūmikā Arts. Initiated into Bharatanatyam under Guru Poornima Risbud, she has excelled in the Mysore style. Collaborating closely with Poornima, Pallavi has led acclaimed productions like “Abhignana Shakuntalam” and “Nrityotsav,” garnering recognition akin to Broadway shows in Boston. She is actively involved in various New England productions, such as Vision Aid and Snehalaya, and also serves as a judge in prestigious classical dance competitions.
Continuously refining her artistry, Pallavi currently trains under Guru Padmini Ravi, delving into Karaṇa Saṅgītaṁ with Guru Nirupama Rajendra, and mastering Layam under Guru Sheejith Krishna. As the driving force behind Bhūmikā Arts, Pallavi instills in her students a deep understanding of Bharatanatyam, Sanskrit, Yoga, and Āyurveda, emphasizing their interconnectedness in fostering profound experiences.
She perceives dance as a vessel for spiritual expression, guiding her students towards unveiling universal truths through the art form. Pallavi’s dedication, artistic excellence, and commitment to passing on the rich cultural heritage of Bharatanatyam have established her as a respected figure in the dance community.
