Deepti Bhatnagar at Arangetaram performance by Kruti Pandya

Yesterday, dance lovers were treated to an impressive dance performance by the young & talented Kruti Pandya. For her Arangetaram, the 13 yr old performed the beautiful Bharatnatyam dance form to a packed audience at Rabindra Natya Mandir.

Adorned in a beautiful ochre & red outfit first, Kruti commenced the event with ‘Ganesh Kautvam,’ a prayer to Lord Ganesha in the form of dance. Next, she performed the ‘Alarippu,’ which is the traditional way in which Bharatnatyam dance recitals begin. Mid way, she displayed her maturity & strong grasp of the dance form through ‘Jatiswaram’ and then ‘Shabdam Vastraharnam,’ which is an introduction to facial expressions. Decked in another magnificent magenta outfit, Kruti danced the ‘Padam,’ ‘Tillana,’ and ended with ‘Mangalam,’ a song pardoning the performer for all the shortcomings during the performance. Finally ‘Varnam’ and ‘Natnam,’ the dance in praising Lord Nataraja -a dance performed in the creation and destruction of the world, ended the show.

Dancer & well known actress Deepti Bhatnagar & her husband were also present from the beginning to encourage & support Kruti during her Arangetaram . During the interval, while addressing the audience Deepti said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed being here & watching this spectacular performance. Sitting next to Kruti’ mother Yogini reminds me of my younger days as a dancer, where my mother would watch me with a proud tear in her eye.”

Kruti, daughter of Yogini & Hemant Pandya, has trained since the age of six. Her parents have fully supported her throughout these years. She has trained at the feet of Guru Mrs. Hetal Anupam Karmaker, and the divine Lord Nataraja.

Now, with her Arangetaram complete, Kruti wishes to teach this art form to children less priviledged than herself, in the hope of bringing love & brightness in their life.