The art of utterances

Vaikhari’, a film on the concept of padhant to be screened, while ‘Paraspar’ will bring together Baul and Odissi

Vaikhari, a film produced by Public Service Broadcasting Trust and directed by Lubdhak Chatterjee under the guidance of Guru Parwati Dutta, will be screened at India Habitat Center, New Delhi, on July 26, 7 p.m. A part of the Habitat Film Appreciation Forum, moderated by filmmaker Aparna Sanyal, the film revolves around the concept of ‘padhant’ (utterances) taking inspiration from nature, sacred spaces, Pakhawaj, Dhrupad and silence (Trailer link: Vaikhari Parwati Dutta ).

Vaikhari, which in Sanskrit means intelligent and articulate utterances, primarily focusses on ‘padhant’ which is the art of recitation of mnemonic syllables used in Hindusthani Classical Music and Dance. The film incorporates different artistic streams in allusion to padhant thereby aiming at a profound aesthetic experience of rhythmic utterances in its multiple manifestations. Kalidasa’s Meghdootamserves as a template for narrative development while creating a realm of different temporal designs fabricated by various rhythmic elements (percussion, dance) where padhant lies at the nucleus of artistic expansion.

Musical dialogue

Paraspar, a musical dialogue between Baul sangeet of Parvathy Baul and Odissi nritya of Parwati Dutta on the occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi on July 23 (7 p.m.), Rukmini Sabhagriha, MGM, Aurangabad.

Presented by Mahatma Gandhi Mission, the evening of soulful music and dance based on Krishna consciousness is open to all.

Bauls were mystic minstrels of West Bengal. Parvathy has not only kept the tradition alive but has popularised this music across the world. She has participated in several festivals; making the audience understand the spirit and essence of her music.

Parwati Dutta, an exponent of Odissi, who also runs a gurukul ‘Mahagami’ near Aurangabad, believes in the wholesome understanding of art. She conducts regular workshops, seminars, film screenings and performanaces by various artistes for young learners to imbibe the aesthetics in the truest sense.