An innovative Idea brought to life by Dr. Swati Daithankar and Dr. Dhanajay Daithankar marks it’s 20 glorious years of success
I’m deeply inspired to write about Rajasa Sukumar. My Guru and globally renowned Bharatantyam dancer guru Dr. Swati Daithankar, who also is a co-founder of Nupurnaad Academy of Music and dance, wielded the torch to illuminate our hearts with the light of Indian and Maharashtrian Culture.
She and her Better half Guru Dr. Dhananjay Daithankar, a globally renowned Santoor Maestro came up with this unique idea of putting Bharatantyam and Marathi Saint devotional poetries, the ‘Abhangas’ to a melodious blend of Music and Dance.
So, Let us summarise this musical journey of twenty years of groundbreaking production ‘Rajasa Sukumar’ and I will take you down to the memory lane.
About Dr.Swati Daithankar
There is an abundance to share about my dance teacher. But, I ‘ll try to briefly describe her.
Guru Dr. Swati Daithankar holds a double graduate degree from University of Bombay in English Literature and In Bharatanatyam. She is disciple of PadmaBhushan Dr. Mrs. Kanak Rele and Guru Mrs. Maithili Raghvan. She is honoured by the Prestigious Dr. Nageshwar Rao award and National Scholarship.
In the year 1999, She received “Nritya Alankar” from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalay Mandal.”
For 2000-2002 she secured the National Fellowship for “Yoga and Bharatanatyam” from the Government of India.
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She has travelled all around the world and performed in various prestigious stages and Music and Dance festivals. Along with Rajasa Sukumar she has choreographed more such productions like Sur shyam Rang, Tejonidhi, Panchakanya, Shivoham and Many more.
She is a graded television dancer. Guru Dr. Swati Daithankar is a co-founder of Nupur Naad Academy of Music and Dance where she has trained thousands of disciples like me.
Rajasa Sukumar is a milestone and even after 20 years we still hold a special place in our heart.
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‘Rajasa Sukumar’: A unique blend of divinity and Culture
An Innovative idea of Rajasa Sukumar is a VCD released by HMV saregama which is based on Marathi Saints Devotional poetries. Guru Dr. Swati Daithankar Choreographed as well as performed in this production.
It is a unique combination of Marathi Abhangas and Bharatantyam, which is indeed a challenging task as both Abhangas and Bharatantyam hail from diverse cultures.
However, Dr. Dhananjay Daithankar, who is Music Director of this production has justified that devotion transcends cultural background. The hindustani Music used in the Abhangas and Carnatic Music based Bharatanatyam Choreography curated melodious, and embarked on the journey of devotion.
Two melodious voices Mrs. Anuradha Marathe and Pandit Shaunak Abhisheki, were lent to eight enhaching songs.
This VCD was launched by the Golden Hands of Padma Vibhushan Pandit Shivkumar Sharma on 21st of February 2004.
After the DVD launch Dr. Swati ji gave live performances of this production all over India and overseas. The Original Lyrics were depicted by Maharashtrian Saints like Sant Eknath, Sant Namdev, Sant Tukaram, Sant Kanhopatra.
Choreographies in Rajasa Sukumar
As mentioned above, this is a unique confluence of Hindustani Music and Bharatatyam. However, The integrity of Bharatanatyam choreography uncompromised whatsoever. The original dance items like Padam, Shabdam, Varnam, Jawali and Tillana weaved and a into a tapestry of Rajasa Sukumar.
The ancient and Mythological stories of Lord Krishna, and different episodes of his life presented in these songs. The performances beautifully depicted the love between Yashoda and Krishna, portraying the deep bond between mother and son.
Sant Kanhopatra who was in distress calls Lord Vithhal for her Saviour. And Finally Lord Vitthal Comes to her rescue.The tears of joy upon seeing her Lord Vithhal before her were beyond measure, reaching beyond the sky. Dr. Swati ji’s performance was so captivating that it moved the audience to tears.
Conclusion
The depth of feelings exceeds the constraints of words. ‘Rajasa Sukumar’ for Dr. Swati ji and Dr. Dhananjay Ji was beyond just a production. This venture has successfully expanded its reach worldwide, and even after twenty years, it still feels fresh and innovative.
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