Remembering The Legendary Guru Pandita Rohini Bhate On Her Birth Anniversary

 The legendary Kathak Guru, Rohini Bhateji can be compared to the sage Bhagirath to 

 have brought the Kathak Ganga from Delhi to Pune. In those times dance was not considered as a respectable art as was music in Maharashtra. Dance was very commonly and casually connected to ‘lavani’ or film dance which was not for females from respected families. In such circumstances Guru Rohini Bhate struggled to establish the ancient Kathak tradition in Pune and with her undeterred efforts succeeded in her mission.

It was the period when Kathak was defamed as the art of courtesans (tawaifs). The reformists and stalwarts in Kathak were taking efforts to reinstate its lost dignity. Guru Rohini Bhate’s contribution in this direction is commendable. She carefully culled the sensuous movements and gestures in Kathak and derived the spiritual essence of Kathak.  In order to reestablish its lost dignity of Kathak she presented themes from classic literature and Sanskrit kavyas in her choreographies and solo performances.

Her efforts gradually brought a welcoming approach in society towards Kathak. Slowly young girls from respectable families began learning from her and the number of students gradually increased and thus, the foundation of Kathak was laid in Pune and in Maharashtra by Guru Rohini Bhate. Her total thought process which included the literary content as well as the technical aspect of the form, created the style which was uniquely Rohini Bhate style. This was yet another dimension added by Guru Rohini Bhate to the dance form Kathak.

The field of Kathak will always be indebted to the immense contribution of Pandita Rohini Bhate. I pay obeisance to the legendary guru on her birth anniversary.