Artiste Kalamandalam Piyal Bhattacharya will demystify Sage Bharatmuni’s philosophy through dance and music
Go for this! Dance of the Gods in Mumbai
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Hailing from family of learned priests in Kolkata, Kalamandalam Piyal Bhattacharya grew up with a passion for studying the scriptures. “It was in 1999, when I went to Kerala Kalamandalam to learn Kathakali and Koodiyattam, that I came across the tradition of Natyashastra. It piqued my interest,” says Bhattacharya.
Natyashastra is arguably the world’s oldest and most comprehensive compendium on all the performing arts. Written in Sanskrit, the text consists of 6,000 karikas (verse-stanzas), incorporated in 36 chapters and is attributed to Sage Bharatmuni. And, Bhattacharya, a researcher of Natyashastra, has for the last 15 years, been working on the practical reconstruction of this dance and music tradition of the Natyashastraic period.
“I hope to demystify and deconstruct the scriptures and ancient Indian philosophy for the layman,” says the 40-year-old, who will present a show at the NCPA today, weaving in ancient forms of music, dance and drama as mentioned in the Natyashastra. Bhattacharya’s coterie comprises 15 disciples, who will perform along with him. “All of them are entirely dedicated to understanding Natyshastra,” he says. The show is a labour of love for Bhattacharya, who has been working in this field for two decades. To be able to study the original texts of Natyashastra in Sanskrit, he even specialised in Panini from Oriental Studies. “I want to call my work as Marga Natya, the Sanskrit word for wisdom which descends through Parampara (tradition).” The musical instruments are reconstructed ancient ones such as mridanga, dardur, kacchapiveena and alinga. “If you listen to the music, you’ll realise understand my dedication to the cause,” he smiles.
When: 5 PM
Where: NCPA, Nariman Point
Entry: Rs 200
Call: 22824567
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