BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Atlanta, GA, February 14, 2025: The halls of Gas South theater reverberated to the rhythmic footwork, graceful spins, and intricate expressions of the mesmerizing ‘Barikiyaan’ – The Kaleidoscopic Beauty of Kathak that left the audience spellbound on Jan 24, 2025. Conceptualized & Choreographed by Anurag Sharma, artistic director of KalashramUSA – School of Kathak Dance and Performing Arts, every movement, from the delicate gestures to the thunderous tatkaar, was executed with precision and elegance, showcasing the artists’ deep command over the classical art form. Accompanied by soulful music, the performance was a seamless blend of storytelling, rhythm, and emotion, transporting spectators into a world of tradition and beauty. It was a night where art spoke louder than words, carving an unforgettable niche in the minds and hearts of its viewers.
Barikiyaan, a tribute to Maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj, showcased the rich artistry with 25 skilled Kathak dancers, voiceovers, and rare video clips of Legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj. This debut production was a sincere effort towards bringing viewers closer to his legacy and influence on Indian cinema. Featuring reimagined dance sequences from popular films, “Barikiyaan” masterfully embodied a perfect harmony of tradition and innovation, merging Kathak’s grace with cinematic elements.
With over 75 vibrant costumes flown in from India, colors, music, and movement amalgamated in symphony, even as songs from Indian movies and more, enhanced with special effects, including lighting, voiceovers, sound effects, rare video clippings, and stunning visual projections elevated the viewing experience.
Kicking off with Husn-E-Darbar – The Grandeur of The Court, Act I, Barikiyaan, drew inspiration from the Mughal era, much like the legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj who frequently found inspiration in the grandeur of the era, weaving its elegance, romance, and opulence into his compositions. His Mughal-themed duets, adorned with the melodies of thumris and ghazals, and enriched by classical instruments like the sarangi and tabla, vividly brought to life the splendor of courtly relationships.
Under the soft glow of stage lights, the artists brought to life Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya from Mughal-e-Azam by Himani Pandey (Lead Dancer) and her team along with a Mughal Duet with breathtaking grace and finesse. Bedecked in regal attire reminiscent of the Mughal era, they embodied the grandeur of a royal court, their every movement steeped in elegance and precision. With expressive abhinaya, Anurag Sharma & Shelly Sinha portrayed delicate nuances of courtly romance—exchanging glances filled with longing, mirroring each other’s emotions with subtle gestures, and weaving an enchanting tale of love and devotion. Their rhythmic footwork resonated with the beats of the music, enhancing the atmosphere of nostalgia and passion.
In Act II, Rasraj Shingaar – The Greatest of All Emotions: Love, a rare video recording of Pandit Birju Maharaj featured followed by Mohe Panghat Pe Nandlal from Mughal-e-Azam by Debleena Choudhury (Lead Dancer) and her group who skillfully depicted Radha’s playful encounter with Lord Krishna at the riverbank bringing to life the essence of devotion, mischief, and divine love, stunningly synchronized with soulful music and rhythmic Bols.
Lead Dancer Runa Talukdar and her troupe vividly captured Radha’s emotions as she playfully yet passionately protests Krishna’s teasing for the Kahe Ched Ched Mohe piece. With expressive abhinaya, swift chakkars, and intricate footwork, the dancers embodied the essence of flirtation, love, and longing, seamlessly blending grace and rhythm to the soul-stirring melody.
In Kathak Sangini Kavita – The Union of Poetry and Dance, ACT III, with Jo Dil Mein Hai Vo as the backdrop, Anurag Sharma paid a heartfelt tribute to Pandit Birju Maharaj’s poetic and musical brilliance, unfolding with soulful expressions, fluid movements, and delicate expressions. Interpreting the ghazal’s deep emotions through graceful gestures and rhythmic footwork, Sharma created an intimate, immersive experience that brought this rare composition to life for the very first time.
The Rubai Sargam was an absorbing blend of lyrical poetry and intricate rhythm, embodying Pandit Birju Maharaj’s genius as both a composer and vocalist. Dancers weaved through complex sargam patterns with swift footwork, graceful chakkars, and dynamic expressions, seamlessly merging melody and movement. The performance captured the essence of classical purity, where every gesture and rhythm resonated with the stirring beauty of Maharaj Ji’s composition.
ACT IV – Bhaav Ke Panne – Turning the Pages of Subtle Emotions featured a rare video recording of Maharaj. The Mohe Rang Do Laal Kathak performance by Ruchira Roy (Lead Dancer) and her group was a breathtaking expression of love, devotion, and passion, brought to life through Pandit Birju Maharaj’s exquisite choreography. Dancers, adorned in vibrant hues, moved with lyrical grace, reflected Radha’s surrender to the colors of love, seamlessly blending classical finesse with cinematic grandeur. As the soul-stirring vocals of Pandit Birju Maharaj and Shreya Ghoshal filled the air, the stage transformed into a canvas of emotion, where every movement narrating a story of longing and divine romance
The Albela Sajan Aayo Re by Malini Sur (Lead Dancer) was ACT V – Ojas – Soaking into The Brilliant Radiance – a fabulous fusion of tradition and modernity, seamlessly blending the purity of Raag Ahir Bhairav with contemporary musical elements. With Anirban Bhattacharya’s soulful classical vocals in the air, the dancers created a dynamic interplay between classical precision and contemporary aesthetics. This performance was a fitting tribute to timeless artistry, where the spiritual essence of the raga meets the vibrancy of modern expression, captivating both connoisseurs and new-age audiences alike.
The Tarana Kathak performance was a breathtaking grand finale, pulsating with rhythmic brilliance and boundless energy. The lilting syllables of the Tarana, echoed through the air, driving the dancers into a seamless interplay of grace and technical mastery. Every gesture, every expression exhibited the sheer joy of dance, as they paid homage to Pandit Birju Maharaj’s legendary artistry. This culminating performance was not just a display of skill but a celebration of rhythm, melody, and the timeless beauty of Kathak.
Sharma acknowledged sponsors IACA (Indian Atlanta Cultural Association), Sheth Family Foundation (SFF), and Splash #1, organizers and volunteers, Emcee Neelam Miglani, Script Writer, Sunil Sunkara, Lighting Designer, Rahul Jog, Visual Effects & Sound Engineer, Aman Sharma, Promotional Media, Shelly Sinha, Pranjal Muthe, Palak Verma, Photo & Videographer Venkat Kuttua Photography and Special Thanks to Anu Sharma.
About Anurag Sharma
Anurag Sharma founded KalashramUSA with the vision of promoting the Kathak dance tradition of Lucknow, rooted in the lineage of his Guru, the Legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj. Anurag’s journey in Kathak began with a decade of dedicated training under his first Guru, Rita Mustaphi. This rigorous foundation led him to a profound opportunity: an intensive six-month training directly under Padma Vibhushan-awardee Pandit Birju Maharaj in New Delhi, India. During this time, Anurag immersed himself in the traditional Guru-Shishya Parampara (Teacher-Disciple tradition), accompanying Maharaj Ji in performances and travels across India.
After receiving his Guru – Legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj’s blessings, Anurag established KalashramUSA in Atlanta in 2019. Since its inception, the school has flourished, attracting over 250 students with classes offered both in-person and online. With four locations across Atlanta, KalashramUSA also reaches students nationally and internationally.
Anurag has been recognized with a ‘Travel & Study’ grant from the Jerome Foundation, enabling him to further his research in Kathak with Pandit Birju Maharaj. He has showcased his art at prominent venues and events, both locally and globally, including Madison Square Garden, New York – Romeo & Juliet Kathak Ballet in 2016. Performed alongside Pandit Birju Maharaj & Company, Ordway Center for Performing Arts in Saint Paul, Minnesota – Beauty and The Beast in 2008 as Lead role in a Kathak dance drama with Katha Dance Theatre and
Khajuraho Dance Festival in India, an iconic 12th-century venue – Karna, The Abandoned Hero in 2017 as Lead dancer in this dance opera with Katha Dance Theatre.
