LAHORE: Kathak is the only classical dance form, which is still evolving, absorbing new influences and redefining itself with every decade, which is why it is one of the most popular traditional dances in the world and, most importantly, a secular art form.

This was stated by cultural commentator and writer Ally Adnan at the Institute for Art and Culture in a session, titled ‘The Art of Katha and Kathak’, according to a press release.

Mr Adnan said the dance form did not have any boundary, specific religion or a particular area. Its roots can be traced back to 400BC however it evolved significantly and became a refined art form in the 10th century.

While talking about conventional dance forms, he said that Bharatnatyam and Odissi were very rigid as compared to Kathak, which had influences from Muslim civilisation and gained aesthetic beauty during the Mughal rule.

Mr Adnan also screened some performances to highlight the basic techniques and patterns of Kathak.

During the question-answer session, he said that there was no musical instrument in the classic form of Kathak; oral rendition was the main source for communication. Kathak dancers told stories through their hand movements and footwork, but most importantly through their facial expressions.

Modern Kathak dancers emphasised more on exploration of conventional compositions as newer ones had strict rules. While shedding light on Kathak’s journey in Pakistan, Adnan informed the students that Maharaj Ghulam Hussain Kathak was a great performer whose art was full of balance and aesthetics. Nahid Siddiqui practiced this art gracefully and delivered memorable performances based on beautiful balance, symmetry and aesthetic. He lamented that there was no proper institute in Pakistan where youths could learn this art.

CREATIVE WRITING: English Literary Society and Progressive Writers Association organised a session on creative writing of Alfred Nobel at Alhamra Adabi Baithak on Saturday, stated a press release.

Writers Javed Aftab, Progressive Writers Association Punjab Secretary Asim But, Academy of Letters Director Prof Anwarul Haq, English Literary Society President Rubia Jilani and English Literary Society Secretary Amjad Tufail were among those who participated in the discussion.

The writers were of the view that Nobel’s deep-rooted lyrical poetry reflected romantic and humanistic approach to life as his poems were spontaneous. He took fantasy, sensory pleasures, alienation, estranged relationships and crying evils as themes for his writings. He depicted human love with feelings of mystic uplift, awakening human conscious, but suffered from existential feelings in his later days of life, they added.

Published in Dawn, December 31st, 2018