Jalandhar, Dec 22: Kathak, the classical dance of North India, is being revived in Punjab.

This classical dance was neglected in Punjab as folk dance took precedence over it.

Anuj Mishra a Kathak exponent of Lucknow Gharana is propagating the Indian dance form through fusion performances worldwide. Mishra relates mythological tales to the accompaniment of music, mime and dance.

His performance during the three-day long ‘Kathak Utsav’ in Jalandhar city was cherished by Punjabis.

Mishra feels that there is a possibility of promoting Kathak in Punjab.

“Punjab is taking to the Kathak dance form. In many competitions, be it of state, national or international levels, people from Punjab are taking active participation. I think there is potential in Punjab for Kathak, ” said Mishra.

“The youngsters like the dance. Many have expressed their appreciation for the dance, ” he added.

Nalini and Kamalini, the great Kathat duet joined the brigade of a dozen Kathak exponents, and gave a brilliant performance at the Utsav.

Sufi poet Bulle Shah's rendition in Kathak form is a great move to develop an interest in the classical dance, said Nalini.

Nalini and Kamalini, say their visit to Jalandhar was a co-incidence. Their compositions on the renditions of poet Baba Bulle Shah’s "Tere Ishq Nachaya Kar Thaiya Thaiya, " came in handy.

Pandit Arjun Mishra, a Kathak exponent, said: “It is known that the Punjab Gharana stands out for playing tabla, singing and dancing. It is prominent for its folk dances, but its Kathak dance is also famous. ”

“I am very pleased that the people of Punjab and the Kathak Kendra have made efforts to preserve classical dance. It's an indication that classical dances are abiding, ” Pandit Mishra added.

It is no secret that lovers of Kathak are dwindling, but initiatives like ‘Kathak Utsav’ put a new life into classical art forms.

Kathak is one of the most dynamic theatre arts in the world. The word Kathak is derived from ‘katha’, meaning "the art of storytelling. " (ANI)