Benaras through Ghalib’s eyes

Benaras, the religious capital of the country is considered to be the beating heart of the Hindu universe. It serves as a pathway towards liberation from the endless cycle of rebirth. This blindingly colourful and rigidly chaotic city has inspired great artists for generations. One of them was Mirza Ghalib. In the 19th century, Ghalib <g data-gr-id="29">traveled</g> to Benaras and mesmerised by its beauty he penned an ode to the ancient city, describing it as a beautiful lady draped in the warm glow of a rising sun.

Keeping the emotion alive, Lalit Arpan festival began with the same <g data-gr-id="24">ode</g>. The video, in the <g data-gr-id="33">beginning</g> showed late Urdu poet Ali Sardar Jafri reciting <g data-gr-id="25">Galib’s</g> <g data-gr-id="26">ode</g> in Hindi. The Kathak guru, Shovana Narayan, <g data-gr-id="32">face</g> of the show, described it as something that she fell in love with instantly. 

Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan was also present in the audience. Unlike recorded episodes, theatre demands discipline and there is little room for error. 

By utilising basic instruments and by coordinating every step, theatre promises to take the audience back to the glory days.  The dance ballet beautifully captured Ghalib’s love affair with Benaras.

Apart from the powerful kathak performance by Narayana and her troop, music by Pandit Jwala Prasad was the highlight of the show. Dance recital followed by a santoor recital by Prasad and the added beats by Pandit Ram Kumar Mishra on <g data-gr-id="27">the <g data-gr-id="28">tabla,</g></g> embellished the show and brought back the golden era of Urdu poetry.