Pallavi Goswami hails from Assam and knows the traditional Bihu dance of the state while Grishma Shah comes from a Gujarati family and knows the traditional Garbha. Yet both of them fell in love with the traditional Maharashtra folk form of ‘Lavani’ and performed it with ease at the Hyderabad Literary festival.
Says Pallavi, “I like ‘Lavani’ as it encompasses expressions. All the ‘Navarasas’ or nine emotions can be more or less expressed through this dance form. There is the element of rhythm and ‘thumkas’ which is very attractive and I love the ‘navvari’ sari. The dress including the payal, kamarpatta (waist belt) and nathani (nose ring) is the same as any bride wears in a typical traditional marriage in Maharashtra. It’s all very exciting and I am amazed with the friendly nature of Hyderabadis. I feel more, than at home.”
Says Grishma, “I have learnt Bharatanatyam and Bollywood dance. But now I am focusing on ‘Lavani’ and Kathak. It’s a very spontaneous form of dance and is performed to lyrics which touch upon society, religion, romance or politics. I am passionate about ‘Lavani’. I see it as a dance form that gives me joy.”
— The writer is a musician, creator of ‘Jaywant Guitar’ and freelance
photographer
