A captivating evening with Antara Asthaayi - Tale of a Kathaka

What an enthralling evening it was, I am yet to get over with it. Antara Asthaayi - Tale of a Kathaka, the journey of this Kathaka to the world was an amazing story telling event by Antara Bhardwaj.
I mean every art is a way of telling us a story in one or the other form and this one through Kathak was one of a kind.
I have watched Pt. Birju Maharaj performing at the age of 75 and then Antonia Minnecola (Mrs Ustaad Zakir Hussain), what a graceful performance and after that I never felt so mesmerized until this evening.

Antara Bhardwaj, the fastest feet dancer in the world, around 12 slaps per second performer rocked the stage by engaging the audience with her story as an immigrant to a country where she could dream to be a kathak dancer that too watching old Hindi movies such as Guide, Pakeeza and many more. 
Most of the time you will see in mehafils, the kathak dancer will play in tukra (short dance composition) and toda (long dance composition), and tell the story and here what I loved about Antara is that as she was explaining about the story she was performing in tihais (footwork). She also did few tukra for Sader to play on his tabla - that was unseen where the tabla player is playing on the bols and tukras of kathak dancer.

I agree when people say learn the basic schooling which is so important as lot of logics that we use in our day to day life is based on that elementary to high-school level of subjects and Math being one of them. Antara explained very well how the rhythmic play with its time cycle be calculated by splitting it into triplets or quintuplets marked on the footwork so that it counterpoint to the rhythm of the percussion.

All this was summarized in a sequential and a very well choreographed performance along with internationally renowned musicians from India and US. Salar Nader on tabla, whom I have been watching since long time when he performed at SF Jazz and there on in many such events and its amazing to see his creativity as I follow him on twitter too. One must learn from them to understand the basic so that everyone can have their little creation on the bols (dha, ge, na 'ti' 'na' 'ka' 'dhi na').
Pankaj Mishra on Sarangi, Ben Kunin on Sarod, Rajib Karmakar on Sitar - we were told it was his first performance on the stage - but frankly speaking his performance didn't say that as he rocked the solo and the jugalbandi like a pro.

When Deewani Mastani started with 'mastani' song from Bajirao Mastani film, it gave a feeling of reawakened may be because I am bias towards Hindi-Urdu poetry but I knew my evening is going to rock. The beauty of this piece was the fusion of Kathak with Khepri (Belly Dance) very beautifully choreographed by Antara herself and Andrea Sendek - both had the sensuality and passion that this deewani needed.

Thaat, actually we all have it within our selves and we do use at times whether to show love, mischief, or even when you are upset with something. The expression with your face, eyes, neck and all this was done by Antara which reminded me of Ustaad Zakir Hussain's residency class that takes place in SF Jazz center every year - an amazing one.

Every time I go for a Kathak I learn something new and the eagerness of what this dancer will relate to is the curious part which Antara here was able to fulfill with the journey of steam engine and I being grown up with that time really helped to relate it and such a beautiful and graceful depiction of that with her footwork. I wished it could be replayed again and again :).

The jugalbandi by musicians I have always loved since my childhood and I remember how my feet and my hand used to play with that rhythm, it took me back then when I used to watch these with my dad. Pankaj Mishra and Ben Kunin's communication through Sarangi and Sarod along with the solo Sitar by Rajib Karmakar was captivating.

There was Gat Bhao where the dancer tells a story as well as she will play all the characters of that story and a small piece of incident which I have read in my school days about the naughtiness of Krishna, Radha and the Gopis. Beautifully performed and best was that each performance had its own costumes. Antara did spend time in changing costumes based on the dance she was performing and it was an epic selection of all - kudos to Alka Garg. The funny part was when she said she always loved the Radha but not the Krishna's Radha, instead the Radha characters which Subhash Ghai's movies have, I tell you what an influence of Hindi films and this kind of influence is not bad at all.

The Hindol Tarana is something I have heard and watched the dancers performing but it was not known to me that there is no meaning in here other than the dancer portrays the beauty, delicacy, and technique along with the rhythm. I think I enjoyed it more when I understood the meaning of tarana here.

There wasn't a moment where audience was not kept engaged, as Salar Nader took everyone on his journey from Kabul express to Mumbai express while the bullet train from Japan came over. Tabla has always made my feet restless and unknowingly I would play the beat and his tali and khali was reminding me of Ustaad Zakir Hussian sahab. 

It was not over yet when Chilman (veil) happened, this was the last piece of the evening. Urdu has been my weakness and chilman is something which expresses the beauty of a woman thats what I believe. This dance was a creation of Antara and it really did surprise me when Antara started the dance with Javed Akhtar's (my favorite poet), lyrics and ended with Hazrat Amir Khusro on chaap tilak... I swear to anything I was thrilled and mesmerized with this creativity. 

Antara has gained many fans I am sure and I have become one this evening for being such a graceful performer with the professionalism which she carried through out that audience could only applause until the end. It was an amazing performance package and I am looking forward to her next one The Conference of the Birds - I am sure its going to create history right here in this silicon valley and its dance and music direction is done by none other than Antara Bhardwaj. Its with thirty dancers and fifteen actors representing twelve cultures from four continents - its going to be a heaven with mystical sufi allegory.... the wait is worth!!!!

I am so happy to be part of Sangam Arts and along with Sangam Enacte bringing these events for audiences like us in bay area - its a true blessing. The evening dosage was such that I am still high :)

~ Dawn     

Happy Father's Day...!

A dad is the first guy in the life of any girl. The more he loves and teaches her to be independent, the more she loves him.
I grew up in such a way that I always felt I am the lucky child on earth and I am sure every girl friend of mine from school also must have felt the same.
My dad spoke few words but gave a deep wisdom and insight to me and probably thats the reason I always had a deeper thought about things that happen around.
One good advise that I got from my dad, which I give to my kids also and that is, to enjoy the present and live in the present. Tomorrow we are not sure of though we plan but don't spoil your present for a tomorrow which you don't know about.

This live in the moment philosophy was ingrained in me by my dad and I am so thankful to him for teaching me about the values of life.

It's my dad because of which I learned my mother tongue Malayalam, it was him due to which we used to watch Malayalam movies and poetry that he used to play so that we can listen. His story telling to us as each poetry unwinds the reality and all these made us to be close to arts and literature.

Love everyone and don't just be a spectator when injustice is happening - this has made me a human and yes, I love every living being on this earth and I am very hurt when injustice happens to me or to others - I will fight for justice and not be quiet because I care for everyone and thats what my dad taught me.

I love the guy who raised me this way with an independent thought to enjoy the moment and be the pillar for the needy.

Thank you Accha for being that light in my life and making me believe that there can be only one Dad who holds your hand and walks behind you to make sure you are safe.

Happy Father's Day Accha not only today but everyday.

~ Dawn

I felt it was a walk back to my childhood days...!!!

Growing up in NDA, was so much fun. I was raised more close to mother nature and we as kids always tried to connect with nature whether its through plucking berries from the wilderness or the curiosity to see different birds - hike was never like what we see in North America.

Hiking was part of a daily routine. Whether we are going from school just with friends or being the part of scouts and guides - climbing mountains, playing in the water, plucking wild berries and eat them with an excitement as if we earned it.

I have often felt that I wish my kids were raised in NDA so that they could have also enjoyed what I got to enjoy as a kid. But then I realize they got to be born at that time because now even in India it has become like an event.

Summer has started and kids are off from school but then parents don't get such summer time-off unless you are planning for vacation.
Weekends are the best time to spend time with kids and that too if you can't drag them out they will sit on their electronic devices.
I feel very fortunate and lucky to be a resident of Niles, where I get to be with nature and its not too far from home. 

A drive to the park in Sunol and my son who was trying his best to make excuse as where are we going and why we are going to a canyon. By the time we reached and started our hike, he says I am reading the signs and it says beware of snakes and mountain lions so we shouldn't go this side.
It was a fun walk because me and my daughter had lot of fun teasing him by making the hiss sound of snakes and he used to ask for little breaks to breath as he is tired.

This park has a canyon and if you are ready to hike and climb some big rocks then nothing better than reaching to the paradise where you have the cold water soothing your feet and the music of the water fall, its a mesmerizing feel.
I was never treated or raised with gender discrimination and thats what I do with my kids too. Boy or girl all should be equally treated and hence without any saying we headed to climb the rocks. Being the parent I had to be responsible for both of them and hence I was making sure I was behind my son yet allowing him to make his own decision as how to climb the rocks. Many times I felt once you teach them they will learn and thats what happened.
My son initially was scared that he may slip in the gravel but as the positions I was showing where to place his foot and get a grip start putting the next foot forward and keep going. The best part was when he saw water, I didn't have to teach him anything. He was getting pulled and the next thing I see him is getting in the water.

Relaxing after the climb was a blessing. Kids played and my son made friends with a baby and a boy called Joseph who was of his age. After couple of hours we thought its time to go back and guess what our guy who was tired and was worried about snakes and was not much excited about the canyons was upset that we are going back. He wanted to stay back little more and I agreed to it.

After all that fun while we were returning back it was a slope and at times one peak climbing moment and it was a worth hike where my son gave a review saying, we should come more often here and next time I want to bring my swim shorts. The best part he felt that we talked and shared lot of stories and spent quality time together.

The review was a worth of testimony. These days I am teaching kids to be in and with nature and listen to music it will sound much soothing and blessing.

Try to go out and take your kids too because if you let them sit in the house then they are going to be stuck with their electronic devices. A look outside the window, a walk outside of your house is a must. I felt it was a walk back to my childhood days.

Let's find some beautiful place to get lost ;)

~ Dawn

Papon - the musician and the human that I know !

Music is soothing and spiritual when the musician is putting his/her talent and art in it rather than being forced for few extra pennies or for fame. 

Being a music lover, I have always loved world music and the musicians who don’t compromise their art for money, fame or any other reasons. Luckily, I have had opportunities to listen to some of great musicians from around the world and some of them were such that they struggle to bring food and peace in their country.

One can imagine how heart rendering it can be when you hear they say, "when I get hungry I sing”.

I have seen one of the artist so closely who sings, writes, composes and plays instruments too.

Papon being one of those artist, I have always loved his music and I think after 4 years of listening and following him on Twitter, I finally met him in San Francisco in 2014 when he came for Assamese Bihu festival time and it was a dream come true.

After meeting him I am not only in love with his voice and music but more I love him as a human. He is very much down to earth and simple person who wants to do a lot for the needy.

This year when I heard he is coming again I was very excited and was again going through those moments when I met him for the first time. That moment only the artist and his fan which is me can only relate what it was, something that I will cherish whole my life.

This time when I saw he is coming with big artists such as Farhan Akhtar, I kept my ambitions low as to meet him in person because I had a visual of how promoters will try to bank on meet and greet. Hence, I convinced myself that this time I won’t meet Papon - my favorite singer and friend.

People took expensive tickets to meet him and I thought being a friend why should I pay and meet him and that too which he won’t get a share of it anyway.

I bought a reasonable ticket to see the concert and enjoyed every bit of Papon’s music being in that audience. The best part was that by the time I entered my seat I had heard from near and dear ones that Papon inquired about me - and believe me that was a blessing in disguise.

I convinced myself that I should be happy and glad that Papon remembered me and asked about me. It was more fun when he asked to meet for dinner as he has an early flight next day and hence he invited. It was such a nice gesture from Papon that all the friends that we were from his first visit in 2014, were gathered to celebrate the togetherness and love and we enjoyed the dinner, the talk and fun times….a moment which is not well described here in words yet what echoes in my ears is Papon’s words - Eat pasta from my plate, when you share from same plate its love that grows :)

There were many topics that was discussed and many were kept for later time which gave the hope for our next meet in the coming times...!

Best moment with my favorite singer and friend Papon…!

~ Dawn

Happy 17th Birthday Rhea ...

A journey even before I could know its you was started in July 1998 and since then I always felt I have a friend inside me who listens to me as I want. The moments of morning sickness when you made me more sleepy and yet for my cravings when I am not able to get to eat, you always listened to me when I said to settle with a glass of milk. Those days were the tough ones when I was experiencing motherhood and no one was there to guide. 
My frequent talks with you while you were still in my womb made that connection, whether you listened or not but you always obeyed me to what I requested. 
I was eagerly waiting for you with the hope to name you Rhea and it happened. 
I was hesitant to tell people that I want my kid to be a baby girl because I felt it could be discrimination against boys. Having you in life I really didn't need anyone beside. I grew up with you as we traveled from Canada to India and then to USA. Many times I let you handle the situation whether it was at school or among friends with the thought to make you strong. Today when you share your stories of 3rd grade and onwards I feel proud how you managed those days because you never troubled me with those. That time also came when I heard you started counseling kids and helping friends by giving them moral support and by merely listening to their issues.
A great human being is what you have become and I feel proud the way you are growing up as a beautiful and strong girl ready to take off with the first wings that you can get after your education.
I want you to fly high to achieve your aspirations and dreams yet I want you to be grounded and affectionate to everyone. Rich and poor is mere a feeling made out of people's thought. If you look at mother nature there is no one richer than her and yes thats how you want to be in life. Have a lot but share a lot too. As you climb help others to climb too. Being human doesn't makes you less in anything. Travel more and touch the hearts of the people. There will be opportunities to make mistakes and yes make the mistakes but learn something out of it. 
As you needed a friend be a friend to one who needs one and help out. Be yourself and worry nothing at all, for life is a roller coster ride for everyone then why not enjoy the ride until it ends ;)

A very happy birthday on your 17th birthday, don't hesitate to be YOU. 

With love always
Mom

~ Dawn

Lost, Confused!!!

Lost, confused
State of mind
You wonder sometimes
The very existence of you
When you think your part is done
No one needs you anymore
Selfless or selfish whatever you call
It's about give and not expect
Yet we all live for that day to depart
Waiting is not pleasant
I guess this is the moment
That everything reflects back
Time to say thanks and goodbye
~ Dawn

A trophy carries dust. Memories last forever

A short story slam at Bluebell Books - 40th Week...

Growing up as a kid was always fun and the best part is that I am still growing up... !
Being raised as a human and less of a girl actually helped me to liberate and understand people better. It also gave me an opportunity to do things which often they said girls cant do.

It was one of those things where when lot of my friends were picking the sports such as volley ball and dodge ball, I picked up the hockey stick.

"Don't let the skirts fool you
we are more than just chicks with sticks
Hustle and hit and never quit"

Yes, I love field hockey till date and I enjoyed playing, learning and dribbling the ball on the field. It was a pride when my sport teacher Mrs Bose used to tell me that she has come to see the shot and after that she will go home... it always inspired me to do better always.

One of her favorite student was me and she always called me P.T. Usha (Indian gold medalist Ex-Olympic player in running). I used to be the runner who eventually turned into a hockey player.
I was a fast runner, good dribbler with the ball, my one shot at the ball would cross the field and my teacher used to just clap and say few words of encouragement with the note - 'keep it up'!

Sports has always attracted me to an extent that I am always on the ground and playing. My enthusiasm and interest in sports is what made my sports teacher Mrs Bose to select me in the hockey team. Everyday we used to practice in the school ground and on weekends our team used to get to practice in the prestigious ground in National Defense Academy (NDA), where the cadets used to play. We used to get coaching as well and Kariappa used to be one of them. Its a blessing.

Those who know Kariappa as a coach who actually used to train the National hockey team of women in India. I always feel it was that blessed moment. There were other coach who trained how to harm the opponents but soon he was replaced and we learned some good techniques of hockey.
I was at the position of Left Center Half... !

After all that practice and hard-work the day came when we had to play against two other schools. This was not only a moment to win but also to play strategically such that we are selected in the team for the nationals.

I always wanted to play nationals and this was my dream. We played with two schools, one was with KV Sadan Command school and other was from Bombay - KV Devlali. We as a team from KVK, NDA played at our best. There was unity, team spirit and our passing and coordination on the ground was much appreciated by the referee and other coaches as well.
We won with KV Sadan Command but the Bombay girls were big and furious - I still have marks on my thumb that was hit by the hockey stick of the opposite team. Falling, hitting nothing ever mattered to me when I am on the field and so I performed well even though we lost with KV Devlali. 
We had a great lunch at a 3 star restaurant as promised by our teacher Mrs Bose and I was told that I am selected for the nationals as well....but that year I scored less in my grade and hence from home everyone suggested sports is good for fun but not for career... and thus my dream to be a national player remained like a dream.

Today I live my dream looking at other hockey players and lacrosse player such as my daughter ;) I still get goose bumps when I watch a sport on the ground in the stadium....!

A dream that didn't come true yet, I live in every player that I watch. 

"You may say I am a dreamer, but I am not the only one. I hope someday you will join me ;) and the world will live as one" ~ John Lennon

~ Dawn