‘Laya Lahari – The Journey of a Kathakar’

Mysuru: The Kathak Ranga Pravesh of Smitha Marakini, titled ‘Laya Lahari – The Journey of a Kathakar,’ will be held at RamaGovinda Rangamandira in Ramakrishnanagar on Aug. 29 from 5.30 pm onwards.

Vidu. C.N. Anitha will be the chief guest. Accompanying artistes are Pt. Prabhu Rao (vocal & harmonium); Pt. Ramesh Dhannur (tabla); C.S. Vedashree (sitar) and B.R. Shreehari Bhat (flute).

‘Laya Lahari – The Journey of a Kathakar’ presents the beauty, depth and versatility of the Lucknow Gharana tradition through an evening of rhythm, expression, devotion and storytelling.

The recital unfolds through a thoughtfully curated repertoire beginning with Guru Vandana and Shiv Vandana, followed by an elaborate Teentaal repertoire. It also features expressive and devotional presentations including Gat Bhav, Draupadi Cheer Haran, Thumri and Saraswathi Vandana, followed by a Jhaptaal repertoire and concluding with the vibrant and rhythmic Tarana. The recital aims to take the audience through the many dimensions of Kathak — Nritta, Nritya and Abhinaya — bringing together intricate rhythm, graceful movement, expressive storytelling and musicality.

Profile: Smitha has been learning Kathak under Guru Nritya Praveena Mitali Ghosh, Founder of Jhankar Nritya Shikshayatan, Mysuru, since 2015. Having developed an interest in Indian classical dance from a young age, she had earlier learnt Bharatanatyam and later pursued Kathak with dedicated training under her Guru.

Alongside her artistic journey, Smitha is a Civil Engineering graduate and a Senior Manager at reputed IT company, with close to 18 years of professional experience in IT industry. She has also completed Senior level exam in Karnatak Vocal Music and Drawing and is currently pursuing Visharad in Kathak from the Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal.