Pt. Chitresh Das performs his legendary traditional Kathak solo - Pt. 2

Traditionally in a Kathak solo, the dancer performs a gat bhao (storytelling) in which he/she depicts all of the characters of the story, switching between them with a quick turn called a palta. A true master is able to portray all of these (male and female).

In this excerpt from the Mahabharata, Pandit Das' depiction of the dice game is legendary and portrayal of Draupadi when she has been dragged into the court, couldn't be more powerful.

He ends the amazing solo with his signature song, Sri Krishna Caitanya. A little known fact--Pandit Das composes all his own music!

Pandit Das was accompanied by some of India's greatest musicians:
Pandit Bhawani Shankar, Pakawaj
Pandit Abhijit Banerjee, Tabla
Jayanta Banerjee, Sitar
Rohan Misra, Sarangi
Special guest: Indian classical vocalist Shweta Jhaveri

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• mahabharata
• kathak
• solo
• chitresh
• das
• abhinaya
• fast
• feet
• chakkars
• drama
• bhao
• acting
• classical
• bhajan
• music

[raguks]

The body language sounds different from other Kathak I have seen. Is this a different school or something?

[subalternator]

D.A.D.A. RULE

[mbijor2003]

Thanks Dadaji, I had once in a lifetime opportunity to witness this absolutely amazing SOLO performance.

[khyemamri]

absolutely amazing!

[panama1900]

I had the extreme pleasure to view this concert in person. I am grateful to this video posting to be able to relive the experience. The whole concert was amazing but the story of Draupadi had the audience overwhelmed with emotion.

[ukkathak]

Wow! unbelievable.  I realize I was holding my breath during the dice game. what a complete package of artistry-- abhinaya, singing, amazing footwork, rhthym, creativity! suchmuch stunning!

[koolkathak]

wonderful one man theatre