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Hindustan Times
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
How Kathak is shaping Indian cinema
There is something eternal about Kathak, from the swirl of a lehenga to the accuracy of footwork and the subtlety of expression. Having danced since the age of three, I find myself fascinated by the power of this art form every single day. It fills me with deep pride, and sometimes concern, as Kathak strengthens its presence in Indian cinema. For decades, it has not only enriched the visual palette of films but also added layers of narrative depth and cultural resonance. Kathak's entrance into cinema was as effortless as a river finding its course. Early Hindi directors, inspired by mythological, devotional, and historical narratives, instinctively harnessed its emotive power. The 1932 film Indra Sabha, adapted from the 1853 Urdu musical dance-drama commissioned by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, brought Kathak's rhythmic storytelling vividly to the screen. Since then, Indian cinema has never been the same. Yet neither cinema nor Kathak has remained static. Over decades, costuming and context have at times obscured Kathak's authenticity. As my guru Shovana Narayan once observed, Gopi Krishna's choreography in Amrapali (1966) was beautiful, but the costumes created for the characters veered away from historical accuracy. In contrast, Roshan Kumari's Chaturang sequence in Jalsaghar (1958) remains a benchmark with a pure embodiment of traditional Kathak complete with tora, tukra, paran, and gat bhava. Similarly, Gopi Krishna and Choubey Maharaj's Benaras gharana performances in Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje (1956) dazzled with technical brilliance and expressive power. In later decades, Indian cinema embraced global influences like disco, belly dance, pop, giving us item songs powerful enough to make films blockbusters. Mujra sequences have also resurfaced, notably in Netflix's recent web series Heeramandi. Although the OTT series featured talented performers, it missed a Kathak dancer's rigorous riyaaz, storytelling, and poetic depth. Still, I believe cinema can return to Kathak's roots and capture its boundless magic. The legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj, showed this beautifully through his unforgettable choreography in Devdas (2002), revealing how classical dance can enrich cinema. In my own career, I have choreographed thematic works from feminist reinterpretations like Devaki to ecological homages to the Yamuna, demonstrating Kathak's enduring relevance as a contemporary storytelling medium. This enduring relevance owes much to Kathak's very nature as a dialogue with tradition, woven through story, poetry, music, and emotion. In every project, whether on stage, screen, or commercial, I strive to preserve its soul and integrity. When honoured, the classical dance offers cinema more than beauty; it provides substance. Through its expressive vocabulary, Kathak can summon the divine, confront human dilemmas, and shed light on contemporary issues. It gives dignity to period dramas, lends grace to romances, and infuses energy into modern narratives. As audiences shift from cinema halls to streaming screens, we stand at a crossroads where tradition, technology, and storytelling meet. This is our moment to celebrate Kathak's enduring dialogue with cinema, and to protect its authenticity while daring to explore new creative frontiers. When we honour its discipline and open it to evolving narratives, this art form transforms into a living, breathing force that shapes the future. From temple floors to film sets, Kathak's rhythms echo across time, calling each generation to witness, feel, and be moved by its ageless spirit. This article is authored by Shivani Varma, Delhi-based Kathak artist and founder of The World Kathak Day movement.
Khaleej Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
This restaurant brings authentic Calcutta biryani to Dubai
The traditionally protein-and-rice dish was reportedly brought to India by the Mughals. Later, when the last king of Awadh, Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, was exiled to Kolkata, he brought with him Awadhi delicacies, including the flavour-packed biryani to the city. When times were tough and mutton scarce, he introduced a potato into the mix. The result, a nostalgia-inducing new meal. However, this version was kept for the elite up until Abdul Rahim, who had deserted the British Army, found himself looking for a way to earn money in 1929. When he got a whiff of the potato-ensemble, he knew he had a winner. And so, Aminia was born. 'We were the first to commercially sell this biryani,' explains Kabir Azhar, a great-great grandson of the founder. And it's these same subtle flavours that the chain – now known across India for its kathi rolls as much as for its biryani – has brought to Dubai. The two branches of Aminia in Dubai (in Karama and Dubai Production City) serve up legacy on the walls – which are decorated with old menus and paintings of scenes from the Indian city on the banks of the River Hooghly; photographs of famous patrons such as the cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar; and little-known facts such the nugget that Kolkata's New Market branch still uses coal fire stoves. 'We have our own spice mix for the biryani,' says Kabir, adding that the recipe hasn't been changed in decades. It is, he confesses, different from its Awadhi cousin, 'it's lighter, with lesser spice'. 'The food was adapted for the taste buds of the region; they prefer the sweeter notes. And when the restaurant officially opened a brick-and-motor store in 1947, we had a lot of Britishers coming in there. So, we also have some dishes that cater to their preferences such as the Aminia special curry. It's a very light stew with an egg, some veggies, tomato, onion, potato, and meat. They would eat this with chapatis (or flat bread) for breakfast,' he adds. While the chain has been gaining popularity across India, the family also hungered for an international station. 'My father used to travel a lot to Dubai. It was his dream to have an international outlet. And Dubai is actually the easiest and best place to open a restaurant: there's a lot of Indians, which means people already familiar with the brand; there is ease of doing business there; and the flavour profiles are not too alien for the Arab crowd.' In the UAE, Kabir and his brother, Asher Ather, have revamped the menu a bit. It's not just rich in heirloom recipes but also in new offerings such as the dum biryani and chicken tikka butter masala. 'We also added a big kebab menu because we know that kebabs and grills are really popular in this part of the world,' adds Kabir. Now that the brand has landed in the region, the brothers are keen to expand. 'Dubai is kind of a gateway to the entire Middle East. So, yeah, that's the long-term plan. But for now, we are learning what people want here and getting the flavours right.' Want to taste a recipe that's been around for generations? Or just craving that spiced up potato, rice and meat combo? Head to Aminia for that original flavour.
India Today
13-05-2025
- General
- India Today
Bada Mangalwar 2025: Know dates, rituals and religious importance
Bada Mangalwar 2025 falls on five Tuesdays in May and June with special Hanuman worship rituals India Today Information Desk Bada Mangalwar falls on five Tuesdays in May and June 2025 Originated in Lucknow during Nawab Wajid Ali Shah's reign Devotees offer sweets, chant mantras, and organise bhandaras Bada Mangalwar is a sacred series of Tuesdays in the Jyeshtha month when devotees worship Lord Hanuman with special rituals, prayers, and community feasts, especially in Uttar Pradesh. It is believed to bring strength, protection, and divine blessings. DATES OF BADA MANGALWAR 2025 In 2025, Bada Mangalwar falls on the following Tuesdays May 13, 2025 May 20, 2025 May 27, 2025 June 3, 2025 June 10, 2025 ORIGIN AND LEGEND The tradition of Bada Mangalwar is believed to have started in Lucknow during the reign of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, who built a Hanuman temple after a miraculous escape from danger. This led to a long-standing tradition of offering prayers and organising community feasts every Tuesday of Jyeshtha. SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE Lord Hanuman, considered a symbol of strength, devotion, and protection, is worshipped during this period for Removal of fear and negativity Blessings of strength and success Protection from evil forces Peace and prosperity in life Devotees believe that prayers offered on these Tuesdays are particularly powerful and yield swift results. MAIN RITUALS PERFORMED Bathing and cleanliness: Devotees begin their day with an early morning bath and wear clean clothes. Temple visits: Huge crowds gather at temples, especially in Lucknow, like Hanuman Setu and Aliganj Hanuman Mandir. Offerings: Sweets such as boondi laddoos, chana, jaggery, and sindoor are offered to the deity. Chanting: Devotees chant the Hanuman Chalisa, Sundarkand, and other mantras throughout the day. Bhandaras: Community kitchens or bhandaras are set up to feed the poor and visiting devotees. DO'S TO FOLLOW ON BADA MANGALWAR Light a mustard oil diya before Hanuman's idol Chant Hanuman Chalisa and recite Sundarkand with devotion Offer red flowers, sindoor, and boondi laddoos Donate food or organize bhandaras for the needy Maintain a vegetarian diet and observe fasting if possible DON'TS TO AVOID ON BADA MANGALWAR Do not consume alcohol or non-veg food Avoid cutting nails or hair on this day Refrain from arguing or fighting, especially in or around temples Do not disrespect elders or act dishonestly Avoid being idleâ€'engage in seva (service) or prayer Bada Mangalwar 2025 is more than a ritualâ€'it's a celebration of devotion, discipline, and community welfare. By observing it with sincerity, devotees seek Lord Hanuman's blessings for courage, stability, and protection in life. Participating in charitable acts like bhandaras adds to the spiritual merit and spreads positivity in society. Bada Mangalwar is a sacred series of Tuesdays in the Jyeshtha month when devotees worship Lord Hanuman with special rituals, prayers, and community feasts, especially in Uttar Pradesh. It is believed to bring strength, protection, and divine blessings. DATES OF BADA MANGALWAR 2025 In 2025, Bada Mangalwar falls on the following Tuesdays May 13, 2025 May 20, 2025 May 27, 2025 June 3, 2025 June 10, 2025 ORIGIN AND LEGEND The tradition of Bada Mangalwar is believed to have started in Lucknow during the reign of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, who built a Hanuman temple after a miraculous escape from danger. This led to a long-standing tradition of offering prayers and organising community feasts every Tuesday of Jyeshtha. SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE Lord Hanuman, considered a symbol of strength, devotion, and protection, is worshipped during this period for Removal of fear and negativity Blessings of strength and success Protection from evil forces Peace and prosperity in life Devotees believe that prayers offered on these Tuesdays are particularly powerful and yield swift results. MAIN RITUALS PERFORMED Bathing and cleanliness: Devotees begin their day with an early morning bath and wear clean clothes. Temple visits: Huge crowds gather at temples, especially in Lucknow, like Hanuman Setu and Aliganj Hanuman Mandir. Offerings: Sweets such as boondi laddoos, chana, jaggery, and sindoor are offered to the deity. Chanting: Devotees chant the Hanuman Chalisa, Sundarkand, and other mantras throughout the day. Bhandaras: Community kitchens or bhandaras are set up to feed the poor and visiting devotees. DO'S TO FOLLOW ON BADA MANGALWAR Light a mustard oil diya before Hanuman's idol Chant Hanuman Chalisa and recite Sundarkand with devotion Offer red flowers, sindoor, and boondi laddoos Donate food or organize bhandaras for the needy Maintain a vegetarian diet and observe fasting if possible DON'TS TO AVOID ON BADA MANGALWAR Do not consume alcohol or non-veg food Avoid cutting nails or hair on this day Refrain from arguing or fighting, especially in or around temples Do not disrespect elders or act dishonestly Avoid being idleâ€'engage in seva (service) or prayer Bada Mangalwar 2025 is more than a ritualâ€'it's a celebration of devotion, discipline, and community welfare. By observing it with sincerity, devotees seek Lord Hanuman's blessings for courage, stability, and protection in life. Participating in charitable acts like bhandaras adds to the spiritual merit and spreads positivity in society. Join our WhatsApp Channel
