NATYASHASTRA NOT OUR SHASTRA?
Around the year 200 B.C, Bharat muni, the venerable sage, penned what is considered the Sutra, the Bible of classical Indian dance, rhythm and drama-Natyashastra. Written in Sanskrit, it is the fifth Veda-a compilation of recitation from Rigveda, melody from Samveda, the concept of acting from Yajurveda and sentiments from Athervaveda.

Natyashastra the oldest existent script on Indian art and culture is the base on which popular Indian classical dances such as Bharat Natyam, Kathak, Odissi etc.are based. It is the path that leads to the divine process of creation of dramatic art and its relation to the Vedas.

If a Surti would want to look up classes offering training for the same, chances are the results would show more dodhiya, salsa, filmy dance classes than those of traditional dance shailees.

While Surtis are eager zealots when it comes to dance any day, they prefer it to be freestyle and trendy.

Traditional dance has but few takers in our town, even when stalwarts like Hema Malini come in to perform a ballet occasionally; it’s more about her star appeal rather than the performance.

For people who deem this culture old fashioned, lets not forget that it has been kept alive through the spirit of people like the Late Protima Bedi, one of the most modern women of her times.

Dance diva Mallika Sarabhai once said,’ people are looking for tarat natyam in Bharat natyam these days’.

’Arangetram’ has turned into a major money spending event, once performed with rented gear and as a tribute to Guru and graduation, it is now a gala social status event .

Since Navratri is now over, Surtis are already gearing up for New Years Eve in December, enrolling and spending enormous amounts for western dance classes around Tapi town. The ‘dancing sirs’ will not only get them from fat to fit with fun, but will also get them geared for celebrating various disco parties held during Christmas season.

Sadly, over the years, the traditional Indian dance classes in town for Kathak, Odissi,
Bharat Natyam, for which we do have qualified Gurus, have stagnated. If you have happened to have learnt it as a child in Surat, you may very well be assured; your kids will be taught by the same guru.

We are yet to have an institute of state level caliber. With few takers and ever rising inflation, it has become difficult for most institutions to break even and progress providing the culture its ethos.

Inspite of which the ‘juna and jaanita ’teachers have held up the banners through come what may circumstances. At a very nominal tuition fee, they distribute ancient knowledge that would be considered invaluable in another city or state.

I recently received an e-mail that depicts the various health benefits of finger‘mudras’ when performed on a regular basis. Health and trend conscious Surtis lapped it up.

I have a bad feeling that just as food, fashion and western dance are accepted and popular in Surat only after they are altered to the Surti version, most people in Laladom would want some fusion in ethnic Indian dance culture, to be inspired enough to follow it.

Knowing only too well, how disastrous the result could be! I mean, can you imagine a Surti version of even the simple Mudras-‘Patak’,’Tri –Patak,’’Ardh-Patak’, to begin with? Now that would certainly be blasphemous!!!!!!