Panning on dances in films

Insightful Journey

To celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema and to mark ‘World Music Day’, a programme called ‘Centenary of Indian Cinema – A Programme of Music and Dance from Indian Films’, was organised at the Alliance Française, recently.

The evening paid homage to Indian cinema through a screening of song and dance sequences chosen from various Indian films. This was followed by an on-stage representation of the same. These movie scenes formed an integral component of
Indian cinema and were inspired by Indian classical dance forms. VAK Ranga Rao, a connoisseur of film history, presented the screening to the audience offering delightful explanations. It varied from the number of artistes in each clipping to the backdrop.

Summarising the concept briefly, he said, “My idea was to establish two things — firstly, that our films contain beautiful songs that can be redone on the stage. Secondly, our films have been practising national integration while politicians just
talk about it.”

There were also performances by artistes on regional songs, which showcased dance forms from across the country. Kannada and Tamil numbers like Krishnana Kolalina, Kannum Kannum Kalandhu saw artistes performing bharatanatyam. Malayalam songs like Priya Kala Valabha, Priya Maanase Nee Vaa Vaa had artistes dancing in mohiniyattam. Odissi was represented through Bengali songs like Nijhumo Shondhay. Hindi songs Raat Bhi Hein Kuch and Tu Hein Meri Prem Devatha saw an artiste perform colourful kathak pieces.

 Srivatsa Shandilya from The International Arts and Cultural Foundation said, “This event had different aims — to portray the craft required to create and showcase classical arts on filmi numbers, and to break notions people have.”

Sharath Mathur, a choreographer from Mumbai, said, “Every bit of the show, from the commentary and screening to the different artistes performing at the event, was splendid and classy. I’m sure this show would break the notion that people have about dances in films.” He added that the connection between the different arts has been well explained.