Kathak dancer Sangeeta Majumder aims to take art closer to the people

Many artistes are now experimenting with the idea of performing for small intimate gatherings. They are opting for cosy rooms instead of regular auditoriums. Kathak dancer Sangeeta Majumder has been hosting mehfil-style gatherings in ‘Strings n Steps’, her academy located in Delhi’s Chittaranjan Park area. She will be formally launching this initiative at the upcoming festival season in the national capital.

“Not everybody understands and appreciates Indian classical art. It has always been considered niche,” says Sangeeta, adding that this platform will encourage new artistes and rasiks. She recently hosted Haridarshan Tiwari on the Hawaiian guitar and Shyam on the sitar.

Sangeeta plans to have ghazal, classical and semi-classical music and dance performances regularly at her academy, private residences and small halls. The audience will be seated on the carpet and in close proximity to the artiste. “The shows won’t be ticketed but people can pay as per their wish,” says Sangeeta, who has learnt Kathak from Pt Birju Maharaj, Deepak Maharaj and Ram Mohan Maharaj. “The idea is to make art accessible, especially to the younger generation,” she adds.

Singer Anup Jalota, who is one of the patrons, will identify talent for these baithiks.