Latest news with #GeetaChandran
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
A stunning Bharatanatyam debut in Delhi
Bharatnatyam exponent Geeta Chandran's disciple Anvita Jain during her Arangetram In an evening steeped in tradition and grace, Anvita Jain, disciple of Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Guru Vidushi Geeta Chandran presented her Arangetram — the debut solo Bharatanatyam recital on Aug 8 at the Chinmaya Mission Auditorium, New Delhi. Organised by Natya Vriksha, the premier dance institution founded by Geeta Chandran, the performance was attended by an august audience of over 300 rasikas, art connoisseurs, cultural leaders, and members of the dance fraternity. The evening was further graced by distinguished guests including Malini Awasthi as the chief guest. (L-R) Guru Geeta Chandran with Anvita's father Anshuman Jain, Anvita Jain and the chief guest Malini Awasthi You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi | Gold Rates Today in Delhi | Silver Rates Today in Delhi The performance opened with Pushpanjali, a floral invocation seeking blessings, followed by Alarippu, an exploration of pure movement and rhythm. With Jathiswaram, Anvita displayed her command over complex rhythmic patterns, while Varnam, the centerpiece of the recital, tested her stamina and expressive range, weaving together intricate footwork and evocative abhinaya. The second half featured Thaye Yashoda, a tender narrative piece bringing to life the charming antics of young Krishna, and Chaakar, a 16th century composition in Braj bhasha by Meerabai- reflecting subtle lyricism in praise of Lord Krishna of Vrindavan. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo by Taboola by Taboola The evening culminated in a spirited Thillana, showcasing vibrant energy and joyous celebration. The Arangetram, literally meaning 'ascending the stage' is both a performance and a rite of passage. At Natya Vriksha dance school, it is deeply rooted in the guru-shishya parampara. Guru Geeta Chandran invests years of training into each student's journey, shaping not only their technique but their inner artistic compass. Anvita, who began her training at the age of seven, brought to the stage not just skill, but a maturity and sensitivity that moved the audience. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
An enchanting Arangetram evening in Delhi
Guru Vidushi Geeta Chandran, Padmashri and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee, celebrates timeless tradition, artistry and devotion through the Arangetram of her disciple, Kavya Navani, on July 27 at the Chinmaya Mission Auditorium. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Hosted by Natya Vriksha, the premier institution founded by Geeta Chandran, this ceremonial debut will be graced by Guest of Honour Shri Raj Babbar, eminent film personality and former Member of Parliament. Apart from being a debut, an Arangetram is a sacred offering. At Natya Vriksha, it reflects Geeta Chandran's unwavering commitment to tradition and training. Every year, she curates this milestone with rigor and devotion, turning it into a powerful dialogue between guru and shishya, rooted in discipline and artistic depth. Apart from being a debut, an Arangetram is a sacred offering At the heart of this year's presentation is Kavya Navani, a student who has blossomed under Geeta Chandran's artistic vision. From the age of five, Kavya has trained at Natya Vriksha, absorbing not only the grammar of Bharatanatyam but also the deeper philosophies that Geeta Chandran so uniquely imparts. Geeta Chandran with Raj Babbar Speaking on the occasion, Guru Geeta Chandran shares, 'Each Arangetram is a renewal of faith in the eternal tradition of Bharatanatyam. Kavya's performance is the result of immersive learning, cultural anchoring and the shared breath between a guru and shishya. I take immense pride in nurturing dancers who carry our heritage into the future with grace and gravitas.' Raj Babbar, Ashwani Kumar, Anuradha Joshi and Pratibha Advani Deeply moved, Kavya Navani adds, 'To dance under Guruji's guidance is to experience both art and awakening. She has shown me that Bharatanatyam is not only performance, rather it is philosophy in motion, devotion in form.'
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
700 artistes rally for rivers at Sadaneera Samagam in Bhopal
Bhopal: Over 700 artists, dancers, poets, and filmmakers came together at Sadaneera Samagam, a six-day cultural conclave dedicated to raising awareness about India's deepening water crisis. Organised at Bharat Bhavan by Veer Bharat Nyas and Madhya Pradesh Department of Culture and Tourism, the event that ends today, spotlighted rivers, lakes, aquatic animals and water bodies through powerful artistic and creative expressions. From Bharatanatyam to poetry reading sessions, from documentaries to musical recitals, every performance was a call to action. Padma awardee and classical dancer Geeta Chandran, who presented Prane Jalam, said: "From birth to last rites, water is intrinsic part of life and dance is my way of honouring our pristine heritage, the five elements and awakening public consciousness—especially among the youth. For me it's not tokenism, but a gentle reminder to people that if we are not disciplined, there will be no life or heritage left." You Can Also Check: Bhopal AQI | Weather in Bhopal | Bank Holidays in Bhopal | Public Holidays in Bhopal Actor-poet Piyush Mishra delivered stirring verses in the Nadi Nama segment, receiving a standing ovation. But he emphasised that art alone can't fix the problem: "Water conservation needs a robust, multi-pronged strategy. While I'm ready to contribute personally, systemic change and policy enforcement are essential." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Activate your McAfee Antivirus Protection Learn More Undo Actor-director-writer Karan Razdan, whose poetry reading was equally appreciated, echoed the sentiment: "Art builds emotional connection. It won't solve everything overnight, but it's a critical step toward cleaner rivers and sustainable water access. Just look at Copenhagen—an advanced city now grappling with water scarcity." Event curator and Veer Bharat Nyas trustee secretary Shriram Tiwari summed it up: "Sadaneera Samagam isn't about blame game—it's about solutions. We used dance, theatre, music, and film to connect emotionally with people and inspire action to preserve India's water heritage."
Hindustan Times
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
18th World Dance Day Festival puts spotlight on heritage, future of Indian dance
New Delhi, The 18th edition of the World Dance Day Festival, which began here on Saturday, puts spotlight on the heritage and future of Indian dance with performances across different dance styles, workshops, lectures and discussions. Conceived and curated by renowned Bharatanatyam dancer and founder of Natya Vriksha Geeta Chandran, the dance festival at the India International Centre opened with a movement and dance aesthetics workshop by noted dancer Tanushree Shankar. On the opening evening, SPICMACAY and its founder Kiran Seth were conferred the Natya Vriksha Lifetime Achievement Award for their "outstanding contribution to preserving India's intangible cultural heritage through youth engagement". The award, which has previously been given to Shanta Serbjeet Singh, Avinash Pasricha, Kamalini Dutt, and Leela Venkataraman, includes an angavastram and a cash honour of ₹1,00,000. "This honour is not mine alone-it belongs to every student who has sat in awe before an artist, to every volunteer who has given their time to SPIC MACAY, and to every institution that believes in the power of the arts to shape minds and lives. In a world of constant change, classical arts anchor us to something deeper, something timeless,' Seth said in a statement. Poet and scholar Ashok Vajpeyi delivered a lecture, "Dancing Away", a poetic and philosophical reflection on how dance, while rooted in the present, opens portals to imagination, memory, and transcendence. The day concluded with Bharatanatyam performance by Madhura Bhrushundi and Kathak recital by Dheerendra Tiwari. 'World Dance Day is a moment to pause and celebrate what dance brings into our lives, not just technique or tradition, but emotion, truth, and transformation. This festival is our offering to the art, and to the young dancers who will carry it forward,"Chandran said. Day two of the dance festival will continue with a workshop Shankar, followed by "Avatarana - The Story of Natya", a theatrically retelling of a 2,500-year-old saga, scripted and performed by Ramaa Bharadvaj, exploring the divine origins of Indian dance through humour and insight. The festival will come to an end with Kuchipudi by Abhinaya Nagajothy and Odissi performance by Shashwati Garai Ghosh.
Mint
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Planner: 5 events that make this a good weekend
Method, Delhi, is presenting a unique showcase as its second exhibition at its new space in the Capital. The exhibition, Bambai Se Aaya Mera Dost, brings the collective force of the Mumbai art landscape to Delhi. For Sahil Mehta, founder and curator at Method, this show is a celebration of friendship, community and creative exchange as 16 galleries from Mumbai are presenting some of the artists that they represent. 'The show highlights the bonds that transcend competition and foster collective growth,' states the gallery note. Some of the participating artists include Wolf, Saviya Lopes and Vikrant Bhise. On view till 18 May at Method Delhi, Defence Colony, 12-8pm (closed on Monday). POND II, a piece of art created by Rai on show at 'Artists for Artists' exhibition at Experimenter, Kolkata. Experimenter is presenting Artists for Artists across its two gallery spaces in Kolkata. The showcase features four solo projects by artists Aishwarya Arumbakkam, Rupali Patil, Rai and Sathish Kumar. Each of these practitioners has been chosen by a fellow artist from the gallery's programme. For instance, Ten Sounds I Cannot Hear by Arumbakkam and Kumar's Sunlight have been selected by Sohrab Hura, Patil's If We Opened People Up, We'd Find Landscapes by Rathin Barman and Fever by Rai by Bhasha Chakrabarti. At Experimenter, Ballygunge Place and Hindustan Road, till 14 June, 10.30-6.30pm (closed on Sunday and Monday). Padmashri awardee Geeta Chandran Curated by Padmashri awardee Geeta Chandran, the 18th edition of the annual World Dance Day Festival will include workshops on dance aesthetics by Tanusree Shankar; performances by artists like Madhura Bhrushundi (Bharatanatyam), Abhinaya Nagajothy (Kuchipudi) and Dheerendra Tiwari (Kathak); and solo dance drama, Avatarana – The Story of Natya, by Ramaa Bharadvaj that explores the origins of traditional dance forms. At India International Centre, Lodi Road, Delhi, 26-27 April, timings vary. For details, visit A sculpture on show at Alchemy of Matter exhibition. Alchemy of Matter, a group exhibition presented by the Lexicon Art gallery and curated by Rahul Bhattacharya, explores how artists of Vadodara are experimenting with materials like canvas, clay, glass and bronze. Among the participating artists are Mayur Gupta, Chander Prakash and Azghar Ali. At Main Art Gallery, Bikaner House, Pandara Road, Delhi, 26-29 April, 11am-7pm. 'A Malabar Journey' features dishes inspired by chef Gautam Krishnankutty's trips to Kannur, Kerala.
