Rajib Bhattacharya, Artistic Director of Srijan Chhanda, staged his new choreographic production “Rabi Kare Vivek Jyoti”, based on the life of Swami Vivekananda, at Kolkata’s Rabindra Sadan recently.
At the end of the evening I asked him what was the thought behind the production and its title. For long, he said, he has been toying with the idea of propagating the exemplary life of Swami Vivekananda to the youth of today. And in retelling the story of Swamiji most of the lyrics he used were from the works of the philosopher poet Rabindranath Tagore. Some of the lyrics used were by Swami Vivekananda himself and at least one by Ayodhyanath Pakrasi.
Though his father was a Government employee, Rajib had a great passion for music, art and culture and was always in the company of renowned personalities in the field of performing arts.
Edited excerpts from a chat:
On his fascination for dance
It was but natural for my sister and me to take to the arts. Soma Mukherjee, my sister, was adept at singing and used to choreograph dance-dramas. Sometimes, I was given small roles in it. In 1988 I enrolled in Ananda Shankar Centre for Performing Arts to learn dance and got a chance to perform with the troupe all over India. In course of time, I felt the necessity to learn classical dance which made me enrol under Thankamani Kutty of Kalamandalam where I learnt Bharatanatyam for two years.
At this juncture my destiny took a turn. Odissi dancer Sharmila Biswas came to Kalamandalam to select a male dancer for her own choreographic work and chose me. Fortune further smiled on me when Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra came to Padatik for a workshop. At the behest of Sharmila Biswas, I joined his workshop, where I learnt the basics of Odissi from Guruji. I was enriched and enlightened sufficiently to change my stream to Odissi.
On passion for music
Though I have no formal training in music, I have ear for music and can pick up songs fast with a little help in classical and Rabindra Sangeet from my sister. I have also learnt Odissi music from the renowned Guru Gopal Krishna Ponda in his workshop .
With the blessings of Almighty, my Guruji and my very supportive disciples I have always managed to overcome all hurdles. My faith in the power of God is like a soothing balm. I cherish spiritualism and this is reflected in my performance.
On his journey as a choreographer
I never consider myself a choreographer; rather a person who has a lot to learn. And my choreographic works are the fruits of my firm belief and love towards dance. I have had the opportunity of performing in some of the prestigious festivals of India.
On the road ahead
My vision is to train more and more male dancers.
Since there are presently more female dancers practising the form, sometimes the mannishness of the form is lost. Keeping that in mind I have been trying to carry forward the rich legacy of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra’s through nurturing, preserving and spreading this unique style carefully.
