New Delhi

A Mesmerizing Kathak Performance at AAI Art Festival 2025: Guru-Shishya Duo Steals the Show

New Delhi – The “AAI Art Festival 2025,” held at the prestigious Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, witnessed an enchanting Kathak recital that celebrated the timeless bond of Guru-Shishya Parampara. Renowned Kathak exponent and guru, Ruchi Baluni, along with her disciple, Aditi Bharadwaj, brought alive their journey of rhythm, dedication, and artistry through a spellbinding performance titled “Guru-Shishya: A Rhythmic Journey.”

A Journey Through Grace and Rhythm

The performance opened with a soulful Guru Vandana, expressing gratitude and reverence for the sacred bond between mentor and disciple. With emotive storytelling and intricate dance gestures, the duo beautifully depicted the trust, love, and dedication that form the foundation of their artistic journey.

Transitioning into Taal Basant (a 9-beat cycle), they showcased the rich nuances and technical brilliance of the Jaipur Gharana. Their synchronized movements and improvisations reflected their deep connection and mastery of rhythm and technique.

Building to a climax, the duo performed a stunning rendition of Teentaal Drut Laya (a 16-beat fast-paced rhythmic cycle), demonstrating exceptional footwork, rapid pirouettes, and precise expressions. The disciple’s progress under her guru’s guidance and the guru’s joy in passing on her legacy were palpable in every moment.

An Ode to Guru-Shishya Tradition

The performance wasn’t merely a Kathak recital but a heartfelt tribute to the Guru-Shishya tradition—a celebration of mentorship, learning, and the art of preserving cultural heritage with grace and devotion. The seamless chemistry between Mrs. Baluni and Ms. Bharadwaj resonated deeply with the audience, drawing them into their shared journey of challenges, achievements, and artistic growth.

An Audience in Awe

The distinguished presence of Kathak stalwarts like Shobhana Narayan, Rajendra Gangani, Ustad Akram Khan, and Rani Khanam, among others, added to the grandeur of the event. Shivangi Music Academy’s President Rajesh Sharma and Director Richa Sharma praised the duo for their remarkable portrayal of tradition and innovation.

The audience was spellbound, applauding the duo’s ability to blend classical techniques with emotional depth. The festival was a resounding success, with the performance leaving an indelible mark on all present.

Preserving Tradition, Inspiring Generations

Through their captivating recital, Ruchi Baluni and Aditi Bharadwaj not only paid homage to the art form but also underscored the significance of passing down knowledge and artistry to future generations. Their performance was a reminder of the enduring beauty of Kathak and the Guru-Shishya tradition—a cultural treasure that continues to enrich India’s artistic fabric.

The evening ended with heartfelt acknowledgments and a promise to keep the rhythm of tradition alive for generations to come.

Munish Kumar

Munish is a senior journalist with more than 18 years of experience. Freelance photo journalist with some leading newspapers, magazines, and news websites, has extensively contributing to The Times of India, Delhi Times, Wire, ANI, PTI, Nav Bharat Times & Business Byte and is now associated with Local Post as Editor

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