01-07-2025
Kathak dancer Shinjini Kulkarni's Aarohan lights up Delhi with classical brilliance
A fabulous evening marked by grace, rhythm, and legacy is what cultural connoisseurs witnessed at Triveni Kala Sangam in Delhi last Friday as Aarohan 2025 commenced - an annual celebration of classical music and dance curated by the Sai Shinjini Academy of Fine Arts and is the brainchild of Shinjini Kulkarni, celebrated Kathak exponent and granddaughter of the legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj.
Aarohan is the brainchild of celebrated Kathak dancer Shinjini Kulkarni
advertisementThe evening opened with a ceremonial live painting of Lord Jagannath by artist Kannu Behra. This was followed by a three-part Kathak segment choreographed by Shinjini Kulkarni, performed by junior, intermediate, and senior students of the academy.
The segment began with a Teentaal presentation, rooted in traditional compositions.
Junior students presented Teentaal
Intermediate students, including Aahana Darad and Prapti Chaudhuri, lit up the stage with a graceful Tarana in Raag Raageshri.
Intermediate students presented a graceful Tarana in Raag Raageshri
advertisementThe performance culminated in Yauvan Shringar, a lyrical exploration of youthful love, brought to life by the senior student group led by Divyanshi Singh, Lalita Nishad, and Gouri Deshmukh. Nishha Ashish Jain, founder of Noida-based Thirkan Dance Academy, also featured in the majestic closing act.
Yauvan Shringar was headlined by Gouri Deshmukh, Divyanshi Singh and Lalita Nishad (L-R)
Students of renowned Kathak dancer Mayukh Bhattacharya also delivered a stunning showstopper was a rare duet by two living legends - Dr Nandkishore Kapote and Bipul Chandra Das - accompanied by a powerhouse ensemble: Zakir Hussain Warsi on tabla, Zubair Hussain's vocals, Janab Ejaz Ahmad on the sarangi along with Shinjini Kulkarni and Pandit Kishan Mohan Maharaj's bols.
Dr Nandkishore Kapote and Bipul Chandra Das presented a Kathak duet
Aarohan, thus, was a reaffirmation of the enduring spirit of India's classical arts and a call to keep them alive for generations to come.- Ends
