On February 24, Odissi danseuse Sanchita Bhattacharya presented four exquisite choreographic pieces as part of the ninth edition of the Chowdhury House Music Conference. Hosted by Calcutta Performing Arts Foundation, which also celebrated the centenary of Pandit Kumar Gandharva, the three-day classical music conference also featured eminent and prominent artistes from the city and beyond.
The graceful, emotive movements of Sanchita Bhattacharya commanded attention from the moment she stepped onto the stage. Each of her movements was infused with passion and purpose. With fluid and intricate footwork, the renowned dancer depicted themes of love, devotion and spirituality. Her expressions conveyed a range of emotions, from joyous celebration to poignant introspection, leaving spectators spellbound. Transitioning seamlessly between pieces, she demonstrated her versatility and mastery of the Odissi art form, with each composition telling a unique story, drawing inspiration from mythology, nature and the human experience. Whether portraying the feelings of a helpless and aggrieved Draupadi or the divine drama of Shiva and Parvati, Bhattacharya’s performance was imbued with beauty, depth and meaning. Snapshots.
Draupadi: Sanchita Bhattacharya narrated the timeless tale of Draupadi’s resilience in Adiguru Pankaj Charan Das’s composition. With each movement, she channelled the indomitable spirit of the legendary character, enchanting audiences with her portrayal of strength, dignity and unwavering resolve. Through her artistry, Bhattacharya brought Draupadi’s story to life, seeking to inspire every woman to fight for herself and for womenfolk everywhere.
Durga: In this mesmerising final performance, Sanchita Bhattacharya and her team held the audience in raptures with a stunning portrayal of divine grace and power. The dance commenced with auspicious temple music used in the worship of Bimala Maa (a form of Shakti worshipped at the Jagannath Temple in Puri). With exquisite choreography, the dancers narrated the epic tale of Maa Durga’s triumph over the demon king Mahishasura, with each movement infused with emotion and precision. Bhattacharya’s mastery of intricate yogic dance postures showcased her exceptional skill and years of dedication to her craft.
“Before going up to the stage I always go into a deep zone to understand the deeper meanings and emotions of every dance and character I portray. Most of the time, we perform in large auditoriums where the audience is sitting far away. Here at Chowdhury House, the audience was seated in baithak style. All of us were in a deep emotional connection. As a performer, this allowed me to feel the warmth and vibration of each audience member, which in turn brought out the best in me,” said Sanchita Bhattacharya.