Grooming youngsters in Kathak
Munmun has reason to be elated at such success stories. In her institute, Rewaz Performers' School, she instructs over 60 students (of which three are boys). She has just performed along with the students at the Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Centre.
However, there is a downside. As Mumnun says, "Though the guru-shishya parampara, still exists, there has been a transformation. No longer do the shishyas stay in the guru's house or dedicate themselves solely to their art." At this point, Munmun enlists the opinion of her husband, singer Sujit Mustafa. Says Mustafa: "This is a modern time when computers, cyber cafes, satellite TV channels have become a way of life. Apart from just going to school, children are made to go in for tuition and coaching classes. Consequently, they have very little time for practice or to spend longer hours gaining instruction from the guru."
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Munmun's guru is Pandit Birju Maharaj. Like him, she is an exponent of the "Lucknow gharana" of Kathak. As she says, "I learnt the true essence of the guru-shishya parampara when I trained with Panditji at the Delhi Kathak Kendra in 1989. Earlier on I used to be a little intimidated by his stature and feared that communication would be tricky. However, after a few months I realised that he is very informal with his students and has a simple teaching style."
Currently Munmun is training with Pandit Krishan Mohan Misra, Birju Maharaj's brother.
Munmun's philosophy is to involve the viewers in a performance. "Of utmost importance is the need to touch the heart of the audience," she says. Why Kathak? "Because there is room for spontaneous creation, unlike other dance forms where the composition is of prime importance. In addition, in Kathak there are speedy movements, circles and footwork," says Munmun. Encouraged by the success of her school, she has opened another branch in Uttara.
Hopefully, Munmun will be able to inspire many more youngsters and give them wings to fly as Kathak dancers.