A tandava treat

Debasis Pattnaik says he has been dancing ever since he can remember. He started training under eminent maestros such as Kashinatha Roul and Durgacharan Ranbir when he was just seven years old.

Debasis Pattnaik started learning Odissi when he was seven years old

Two decades of practice later (he is 27 now), he is set to enthrall Mumbai. So what do we expect from him this Friday, we ask? "My performance begins with a tribute to Lord Krishna," he says. The best part, we are told is when he performs two tandava dances -- Ananda tandava and Batuk Bhairava tandava. "Both the items will have vigorous and brisk movements, which I am sure will keep the audiences intrigued. As tandavas symbolise the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction, in the Ananda Tandava I will portray Shiva giving blessings, while in the latter I will depict Shiva in a violent mood," he adds.

For those inclined towards more technical aspects of dance, Pattnaik will also perform the Pallavi, Abhinaya and Moksha -- all inspired by compositions of Durgacharan Ranbir and Adi Shankaracharya. "This will be a solo recital with the pakhawaj, flute and manjira playing in the background," he says.

Pattnaik, who has founded an Odissi dance school, Debnrutyam in Rourkela, has already showcased his talent at some of India's most prestigious dance festivals, including the Konark Festival and the Puri Beach Festival. A few years ago, he also received the Sringar Mani Puraskar from the then President of India,u00a0Pratibha Patil.

WHEN: September 6, 7 pm onwards
WHERE: Little Theatre, NCPA, NCPA Marg,
Nariman Point
CALL: 22824567u00a0