NNKB marked its 25th anniversary with Parampara, a two-day extravaganza of Indian classical dance. (Photo credit: Venkat Kuttua)
Nritya Natya Kala Bharti (NNKB) marked its 25th anniversary with Parampara, a two-day production celebrating its legacy while embracing contemporary expression. Founded by Kathak exponent Kumud Savla and musician Sandeep Savla, NNKB has long been a cornerstone of Atlanta’s classical arts community, and this milestone recital reflected both its artistic journey and evolving vision.
A defining strength of Parampara was its seamless blending of classical and contemporary sensibilities—evident in Piya Se Naina, a modern interpretation of Amir Khusro’s poetry, followed by a Sufi medley also drawn from Khusro’s verses, where devotion and lyricism intertwined. The Tarana sequences, ranging from the technically intricate Hamsadhwani Tarana to the contemporary Pankh Tarana, showcased the dancers’ command over footwork and spins while incorporating imaginative visual storytelling. A Kathak fusion set to a bold bass arrangement and Adnan Sami’s Nain Se Naino Ko Mila explored how traditional movement vocabulary adapts to a modern musical landscape.
The evening’s highlight was the Kathak–Kuchipudi duet featuring Kumud Savla and Sasikala Penumarthi. Distinct in origin yet harmoniously aligned, the performance revealed striking commonalities between the two classical forms. Supported by a vibrant live orchestra, the duet was technically accomplished and emotionally resonant, earning a standing ovation.