Minutes before attending Seher's first resurrected Rasik – Meet the Artiste series featuring famous Odissi dancer Sonal Man Singh in conversation with eminent writer and Director General of the ICCR, Pavan K Varma,( at the India International Centre Annexe recently), this columnist had a chance to rush through an impressive photo exhibition, "China Diary" featuring Mala Mukherjee's works. Among the images from the exhibition that stayed and swirled in the mind, long after the conversation between the dancer and the writer ended, was that of a Terracotta warrior (circa 210-209 BC) holding his sword close to his armour, captured by Mala at the museum of Qin Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses, east of Xian, Shanxi in China.
It appeared that the warrior, stern yet vulnerable, cabalistic yet charming , intimidating yet romanticised- had come alive in Sonal as she was nudged and cajoled by Pavan into sharing her impressions on issues ranging from- the current situation of Indian dance ( the gurus, the shisyas ,the young stars, the state and need of cross over productions, the bureaucratic fiascos and interference) to issues of identity, individual talent and tradition (of the dance and the dancer- the male/female)
The conversation, which offered much to read between the lines, was marked by Pavan's witticisms and Sonal's sting for the government policies and its freebie culture. Similarly there were words of wisdom reserved for the Shishyas. Probably the world of opportunities as revealed by Sonal for the youngsters, was too romanticised, more so because with growing corporate patronage, the demand for group choreography has increased multi fold. This has reduced individual platforms for the young dancers, whose sheer number suffocates the collective opportunities available.
Even as the prima donna wondered about the problem of audiences and disagreed with Pavan that arts were a preserve of the elite, there was a sense of disbelief, since the ground situation for majority of dancers is quiet different. Going by the interactions with a number of dancers down south, the sabhas, including some leading ones, give programs only when a dancer can ensure at least 50 members in the audience.
As for Gurus and Shishyas, many students learning under leading Gurus of Delhi say that the entire "training" process becomes a nightmare for them, if their parents are not well connected or they don't have deep pockets. One would not wish to get into the strong rumours of sexual harassment against some prominent names, which have been doing the rounds for some time now.
One still yearns for honest admissions from the dancers, who too have to blame themselves for the alleged corruption of the system. The deeply fissured community and its own entangled egos form a part of public discourse as also the nexus between the babus and the dancers that has become middle aged!
Perhaps, in such a scenario, it was too much to ask for even from Sonal, who is generally known for her frankness and boldness, in dealing with matters and in fighting for causes.
But beyond personal perspectives on broad issues, Sonal's personal narratives and understanding of dance made the conversation memorable. For once, it was interesting to hear from a dancer that it is through body that one reaches the divine. "The body is primal", Sonal informed, adding that much of the bhava emoted by the dancers today was "over chewed". Briefly talking about her early years in dance, Sonal reminisced how during a practice session for her arangetrum her Guru pointed out to a monkey and told her to spot the difference between it and her! Juxtaposing that incident with the moment of her life- when she performed at 16,500 feet above sea level before, Mt. Kailash, it was certain that young Sonia (as she was called during her early years) had imbibed the art in a way, which would make all her Gurus proud.
However, despite the journey, the immense highs and lows in personal and professional life, Sonal still shied away from baring her soul. May be it was a comment on the audience who came to hear her, or it is just not that easy to perform sans make up.
One looks forward to more such interactions with the artistes but with a strong rider that conversations must be driven by the likes of Pavan K Varma who managed the conversation with charm and grace despite some cheesy old timer saying, " No classical questions, only personal questions please!"
© The Statesman
© The Pic above: Terra Cotta Warriors: www.coppercanyonadventures.com
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