Kujur during a practice session. Picture by Prashant Mitra

Ranchi, Dec. 19: Chandra Shalini Kujur has danced her way into the mainstream cultural hub

She has not only acquired “Sangeet Vibhakar” (equivalent to graduation) in kathak from Bangiya Sangeet Parishad, but has also done “Sangeet Ratna” in Rabindra Nritya.

At present, she is preparing for “Sangeet Ratna” in kathak and also teaching the dance form to around 25 students. An economics graduate with honours, Shalini is also preparing for bank examinations.

“I got interested in kathak when I was in Class V. My parents who work in the AG office got in touch with my guru and well-known kathak maestro and director of Geetali Vipul Das, who encouraged me to learn the dance form. Initially, I was hesitant,” said Shalini.

Support from family and her guru inspired her to go ahead with kathak. “My mother, or sometime my father, would accompany me to the Geetali centre at Burdwan Compound where they would sit there throughout the class. Without their support, I could not have learnt it,” she added.

Shalini has travelled a lot in course of her performance. She had been a part of the troupe which went to the United States where they performed in 13 cities. She has also performed in Bangladesh. Both the trips were sponsored by YMCA, of which she is a member. She is also a performer at Ranchi Doordarshan.

“Kathak has given me a lot. Not only it has improved my concentration, but also boosted my confidence level. It’s only because of kathak that I am fit physically,” she said. He added: “It has also given me exposure and an opportunity to see the outside world.”

Shalini has excelled in extra-curricular activities. “I was actively associated with YCS (Young Christian Students) of which I was the secretary. I was a ‘bulbul’ and then a Guide during my school days. I used to participate in quiz competitions and talk shows at AIR,” he said.