Bareilly :

After touring Europe and America, US-based Indian dancer Aastha Dixit, who plans to take a distinct Sufi style of Kathak across the world, visited the dargah Khanqah-e-Niyaziya recently.

Her love for Sufism and admiration for the medieval Persian poet Amir Khusru brought the Kathak exponent to the dargah, which is looked after by descendants of the great Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti of Ajmer Sharif.

Dixit has her own ballet group in US, and she plans to perform and showcase her unique style of dance with the group.

Dixit learnt Kathak under Malti Shyam of the Lucknow gharana, a disciple Pandit Birju Maharaj. She has been practising and performing the art form for more than 15 years.

“Over the last five years, I have been drawn to the Sufi style of music, poetry and expression of Amir Khusru, whose shayari, raag and taal provided an instant bonding with the occult,” Dixit said in conversation with TOI here on Monday.

She said raag-based compositions sung in the Sufi style, along with thumris now hold a huge attraction for her. Amir Khusru’s style explores the feminine side and is rendered in all dialects including Braj Bhasha, which is why it appeals to the masses, she said.

It was her interest in Sufism that brought her to Khanqah-e-Niyaziya, she said. After visiting the Dargah and meeting the head of the Khanqah, the dancer said her interest and desire to learn more about Sufism has only deepened. “This visit has strengthened my bond with Sufism. During my performances, I rope in dancers who can present the Dervish (saint) aspect of this cult with ease,” she said.

The dancer plans to perform at Dargah Khanqah-e-Niyaziya some time in February next year, during the annual Urs. The Sajjadanasheen (leader) of the dargah, Shabbo Mian, said it would be a good way to bring art and spirituality together.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Bareilly / by Mrigank Tiwari / September 23rd, 2014