Learn the lingo
Photo: K.N. Muralidharan
From the heart Bhava is an important component of Bharatanatyam, performed here by Priyadarshini Govind.
Dance
Bhava: Loosely translated as emotion, the term bhava comes from the Sanskrit root bhu-bhav — to be. Bhava is the term used for depicting emotion using abhinaya or the styli
sed mime of classical dance. (Abhinaya is explained in Learn the Lingo of June 29, 2007). Taking a cue from the literal meaning, bhava is ‘that which is’. In other words, the emotions that exist in the heart of the dancer b
ecome visible on the face. These are then embellished using conventions like hand gestures and postures.
Music
Gayaki ang: A term used in Hindustani music, gayaki ang is often translated as the ‘vocal style of instrument playing’. In the gayaki ang a musician harnesses the instrumental techn
ique to simulate the intricacies, emotions and flow of the singing voice. Ustad Imdad Khan (1848-1920) is credited with introducing this aspect of playing to the technique of the surbahar. Well known players in the gayaki ang of sitar playing include the late Ustad Vilayat Khan (who was one of Imdad Khan’s grandsons). Today his son Shujaat Hussain Khan continues the tradition.
The eminent violinist N. Rajam is also known for her mastery over this medium. She is considered a pioneer in this approach to violin playing.
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