Art & artist must fuse into one

MEN AND MATTER
O.P. Sharma

Uma Dogra, famed kathak dancer, who is recipient of “Sangeet Kala Ratna” and also honoured as Pandita, has deep roots in Jammu and Kashmir. Settled in Mumbai, this outstanting artist has been enthralling the audiences all over India and abroad for more than three decades now.
Uma Dogra’s father Motiram Sharma was Musicologist and a writer belonging to Reasi district while her mother was from Jammu. He was first a Lecturer in Maharani College (now Government Woman College, Parade, Jammu) and later shifted to All India Radio, New Delhi. Uma was born in Delhi on April 23, 1957 and had interest in music and dance from her childhood. . She studied up to graduation and did honors in Hindi. Her family had atmosphere of music and art. She choose to be a dancer as a Kathak maestro of Jaipur Gharana. Her perception of dance has been enriched by her study of vocal under her father and other leading artists which helped her explore the ideal of  Kathak dance as visual music.
She has established Samved Society for Performing Arts in 1990, in memory of her Guru late Pt. Durga Lalji and  organizing Durgalal Samiti Samroh in Mumbai on his death anniversary, which is a star attraction for lovers of music and dance. It is noteworthy that as she puts it her dance is traditionally classical but at the same time has the language of self-expression
For her contribution in the field of Dance Uma  has been conferred with “Maharashtra Sanskriti State Award. She is also an enlisted artist on the panel of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and is actively associated with the University of Pune and the University of Vadodara as an examiner for the last seven years. She has also been visiting various universities abroad like the University of Florida, University of Los Angeles and the Stanford University in USA promoting Indian classical dance.

In a special online interview with me , Uma  Dogra, foremost Kathak soloist, choreographer and teacher,  told me that she has  been promoting the art and artists for the last 20 years and now wishes to establish a Dance Academy in Jammu in near future. Some of the questions-answers are as follows:
Q: Would you make mention of your dance performances in Jammu and Kashmir  State?
A:     Very proudly I say I am Uma Dogra from J&K State. I got only two opportunities to perform in Jammu. By the way it was my happiest moment as I had danced on a Dogri song written by my father and everyone in the theatre gave me standing ovation.
Q:    What do you plan to do now?
A:    I want to establish a Dance Academy in Jammu in the near future. I do not know whether my this dream will come true. As till date, my J&K State Government has not given me any  recognition as a Kathak exponent and my contribution as a dancer, teacher and promoter of art and artist. I truly want to promote classical dance in my Jammu and Kashmir State.
Q:    What is the scope of classical dances like Kathak in Jammu and Kashmir?
A:     A lot much. The Union Ministry of Cultural Affairs is promoting classical dance forms in a praise worthy way. The Cultural Departments in the States are also engaged in this task but it is a different question whether all of them are doing their jobs with sincerity.
Q:   What message you have for the budding dance artists?
A:     Never give up the hope and always have faith in your own potential. Keep on working hard which will be appreciated undoubtedly.
Q:   Do you think the girls and boys in Jammu &Kashmir have the creativity for classical art like Kathak?
A:    Jammu and Kashmir has outstanding top artists like Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharmaji, Bhajan Soporiji (both Santoor maestro) and many others who have carved out a niche in art, culture and literature. I do believe each one of us has creative mind. I believe each person has come on this earth with one mission which can be only achieved with the help of a Guru who helps to understand  the life.
Q:How do you look back to your life as an artist and personnel contribution to the art world?
A: It was not an easy journey. I have really worked very hard. My struggle and hard work and blessings of my Guru and many others paid me dividends.
Q: And what are your future plans?
A:     I want to promote peace and happiness through art and cultural. My mentor Dr. Daisaku Ikeda  says and I quote: “Art is a powerful ‘weapon’ in the struggle for peace. It is one of the highest expressions of human victory. The efforts that artists make in perfecting and performing their art are in themselves efforts to create peace and culture for all humanity”
Art has future
Uma Dogra has performed in all major Dance Festivals in India and abroad. She has performed in countries like USA, UK, Europe, Japan, Australia and enthralled the audience with her immaculate style and art work.
Kathak symbolizes the height of pageantry as the prime classical dance of India it has evolved gradually during course of several centuries being influenced by the Shaivite and Vaishnavite  traditions.
A lively imagination, impressive footwork and superb command over rhythem characterizes her expositions in her Kathak dances. She was ambitious and worked hard to make it to the top. For Uma Dogra, it is really exciting when during her performances the dancer becomes the dance itself.
Asked about her message for the people of Jammu, this front rank Kathak dancer enjoins upon them: “have pride in your art”
(Starline Syndicate Service)

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