Indian Dance and Music Pondicherry Dancer Mesmerises DELHI

DELI II Glitterati
Pondicherry Dancer Mesmerises DELHI

 

When one thinks of the classical dance form Bharatnatyam, it is natural to imagine women in bright clothes and beautiful jewellery. However, this dance form has given many male dancers in the past who have ruled the stage in their half-clad body with next to no jewellery. Nonetheless, most of them are now deceased, quite senior, or have net been seen on the stage regularly. One name from Pondicherry who has popularised this dance form internationally is Raghunath Manet.

Raghunath is a man of many talents. He sings powerfully and soulfully, plays the Veena with mesmerising gusto, choreographs his pieces and dances like a true custodian of the pieces he has mastered. He has even acted in Italian and French films. Internationally acclaimed for his footwork, powerful renditions of pieces, he has inherited from his teacher, the late Ram Copal, especially the "Golden Eagle." He has performed in festivals all over the world and toured all over France, Italy, the UK, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Australia, Sri Lanka, Africa, Singapore, the USA, Caledonia and Antilles Islands. His mother is half Vietnamese, and his Father is a French. His roots are in Pondicherry where he still spends long periods of time and then he dances in the temples — for the attention of the divine presence and his own self.

When an artist has received such acclaim internationally and been written about as widely as thisman in bis 30s, it is difficult to fault his performance. However, when one sees him dance, it is quite obvions that any criticism would be welcome, though a difficult feat to manage for the most informed critic. He has received the "Chevalier Award for excellence in Arts and Litera ture" by the French Ministry.

Of his life in France, Raghunath Manet says, "Being an Indian in France gives you a new perspective to be proud of, as one is expected to have all the answers related to being an Indian. From Indian food to apparel, from customs to religion, from society to climate, one is expected to have answers to every question they ask!"

Asked about his dreams for the future, he definitely wishes te, "Universality of dance is an amazing property. I have performed for diplomats and kings, to packed theatres in France during festivals. I would definitely like to bring my dance and Veena music to audiences in the north of India." His manager, Didier Bellocq, is as dedicated to him as Raghunath is in turn dedicated to his dance and singing. Didier discovered him 15 years ago during festival in South India and the duo has been working together since then.

Didier has no other client and his energies are partly claimed by show horses for equestrian events. Any guilt that he might feel at not giving "enough Lime to Raghunath" work as a fuel towards his working that much harder.

The performance in Delhi was so well attended that important people, including diplomats and bureaucrats, sat on the floor in the side isles of the theatre where the front row had politicians such as Dr Karan Singh and the French ambassador with his wife. Accompanied with live music and powerful vocalists, the performance allowed viewers to see barely a glimpse of Raghunath's repertoire. His sélection of colours of his clothes, jewellery for his neck is all poetic coordination. When, while dancing, he reaches the point of extreme exertion and release of energy, Raghunath sweats and pants slightly. That is when his dance turns from the routine to the sublime. His confidence is well placed on his young shoulders but his humility shines through his dancing eyes — here is a dancer who bas not had his official arangetram as he is "constantly learning!"

Ask him to identify his most emotional performance; and it is not for the dite in packed halls anywhere in the world, but the emotional dance he performed for his teacher and guru, Ram Copal, while the latter breathed his last in a hospital bed and nodded his approval!

Official Raghunath Manet's website

http://www.raghunathmanet.com

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