Saniddhya, a revered institution dedicated to preserving and promoting Indian classical arts, hosted Suramya—a captivating evening of solo Kathak performances—at Triveni Kala Sangam on 16th May 2025. The event showcased the extraordinary talent of Aanvi Srivatsa, a 12-year-old Kathak prodigy and disciple of Guru Shikha Khare, a senior disciple of the legendary Padma Vibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj.
The evening was graced by eminent personalities from the world of classical arts, with Dr. Vinod Narayan Indurkar, Hon’ble Chairman of the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), as the Chief Guest, and Prof. Satyaketu Sanskrit, Proctor of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, as the Special Guest. Dignitaries in attendance included Padma Shri Nalini & Kamalini Asthana, Shri Jayant Kastuar (Director, Bhartiya Kala Kendra), and Dr. Shrikant Shukla(Tabla Maestro & Member, Sangeet Natak Academy, UP) among other distinguished guests.
The performance commenced with Ardhaang, a soul-stirring composition choreographed to Pt. Birju Maharaj’s music, symbolizing the divine balance of Shiva and Shakti. Set to Raag Shankara and intricate rhythmic cycles of Teentaal, Tevra, and Rupak, the piece mesmerized the audience with its spiritual depth and harmony.
Following this, Aanvi presented a Tarana in Dhamar, a technically demanding piece based on the 14-beat Dhamar Taal. Her impeccable footwork, expressive abhinaya, and rhythmic precision brought to life the devotional essence rooted in Bhakti tradition leaving the audience spellbound.
Having begun her Kathak journey at the tender age of six, Aanvi has already achieved significant milestones, including her Bal Ekal Manch Pravesh in 2024. For her, Kathak is not just an art form but a medium of self-expression and spiritual discovery. Her performance reflected a rare blend of discipline, emotion, and maturity beyond her years.
The immersive experience was elevated by a stellar musical ensemble featuring Shri Pradeep Mishra (Tabla), Shri Dinesh Chandra(Pakhavaj), Sushri Deepika (Vocal), Shri Ganesh Singh (Basuri), Shri Sabir Khan (Harmonium), and Shri Ghanshyam Sisodia (Sarangi).
