Dyuti Pandya Presents MEE RADHA on IIT Gandhinagar Campus – a Mesmerizing Kathak Performance: A Celebration of Grace and Tradition

In an effort to strengthen inter-university ties and further cultural exchange, the Art@IITGN at IIT Gandhinagar organized a collaboration with the Department of Performing Arts of Maharaja Sayajirao University by hosting the Kathak based dance production ‘MEE Radha’ on the IIT campus. Renowned Kathak dancer Dyuti Pandya, Assistant Professor in the Department of Dance, captivated the audience with her
performance, an evocative celebration of Kathak’s rich tradition and dynamic beauty through the dance drama production. The event took place on Sep 15 at Jasubhai Memorial Auditorium, IIT Gandhinagar.

Stylistically, the Kathak dance form emphasizes rhythmic foot movements, adorned with small bells (Ghungroo) and the movement harmonized to the music. The legs and torso are generally straight, and the story is told through a developed vocabulary based on the gestures of arms and upper body movement, facial expressions, neck movements, eyes and eyebrow movement, stage movements, bends and turns. The main focus of the dance becomes the eyes and the foot movements. The eyes work as a medium of communication of the story the dancer is trying to communicate. With the eyebrows the dancer gives various facial expressions. 

Dyuti Pandya, a distinguished name in the world of Kathak, brings her unparalleled artistry and profound understanding of this classical dance form to the stage. Dyuti and her team of dancers are part of the Tatva Academy, a Kathak dance academy founded by Dyuti Pandya. MEE RADHA featured an array of Kathak pieces, ranging from traditional compositions to innovative interpretations. The performance showcased the blending of classical techniques with contemporary sensibilities. The show included a diverse repertoire, from the expressive
“Thumri” to the rhythmic & “Tarana”, each piece reflecting the profound emotions and intricate storytelling inherent in Kathak.

About Dyuti Pandya:
Dyuti Pandya is a celebrated Kathak dancer and choreographer known for her exceptional artistry and deep commitment to preserving and evolving the Kathak tradition. Pandya has performed extensively across India, earning accolades for her innovative approach and mastery of the dance form. Her performances are a testament to her dedication to both the classical and contemporary facets of Kathak.