Dance
Dona Ganguly, daughter Sana reunite on stage after 9 years; Sourav cheers from audience
Kolkata/IBNS: Diksha Manjari, the classical dance institution founded by Indian Odissi dancer Dona Ganguly, wife of former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, commemorated the birth centenary of legendary Odissi Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra earlier this week with a special programme featuring performances and tributes from more than 20 dance artistes.
The programme brought together practitioners of different classical dance forms as a tribute to the celebrated Odissi exponent at the Indian Museum.
The celebrations also featured performances by students of Diksha Manjari and Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra’s dance group Srijan.
Dona Ganguly performing on stage. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS
Performing on his Guruji's birth anniversary, Dona Ganguly said, "We've been celebrating Guruji's 100th birth anniversary and we've been preparing this for about a month. Birthdays are always meant to celebrate with everybody, though we could actually include every one. After many years, Sana's performing with me and I'm very happy. Surprisingly, she was the one who asked me to perform with her."
After a gap of nine years, Dona Ganguly and her daughter Sana Ganguly came together for a special performance of Sita Haran, a dance-drama based on an episode from the Indian mythological epic Ramayana.
Sourav Ganguly, who is currently heading Cricket Association of Bengal, was also present at the event to watch his wife and daughter perform.
Commenting on his daughter's performance, Sourav Ganguly, "I'm seeing her dance after many years. She did a splendid job. I honestly don't know much about dance, but I really enjoyed it."
Sourav Ganguly (R) enjoying the performance with his family. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS
The centenary programme featured presentations from various classical dance traditions, including Odissi, Kathak, Manipuri and Bharatanatyam, with several senior gurus and their teams participating in the celebrations.
Sana Ganguly said, "I was a little tense, dancing with my mother and hopefully it went well, and I'm very happy that my father came to see my performance. This program is about celebrating Guruji. I'm glad that everyone came and celebrated with us."
Sana Ganguly performing on stage. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS
The programme also saw the participation of around 100 children as part of the centenary tribute.
The performances and presentations were organised to commemorate 100 years of Kelucharan Mahapatra and his contribution to Odissi and Indian classical dance.
(Reporting by Aaheli Chakraborty, Photos by Avishek Mitra/IBNS)
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