Kala Ghoda Festival and Dance

Voltaire said “Let us read and let us dance. These two amusements will never do any harm to the world” These words came back to me as I witnessed a dance performance put up by the Nrityanjali group at the Cross Maidan during the Kala Ghoda festival in Mumbai.  

The Kala Ghoda Festival is held every year and this is the first time I could attend, mainly because I happened to be in Mumbai at that time.

The original Kala Ghoda (Black Horse) was a black stone statue of King Edward VII mounted on a horse that was built by Jewish businessman and philanthropist Albert David Sassoon. This statue was moved to Rani Baug (originally Victoria Garden) at Byculla Mumbai in 1965.

The David Sasoon Library is bang opposite Jehangir Art Gallery and more on it in Part II of the Kala Ghoda Festival blog.  

Coming back to the dance performed by Nrityanjali, it was one hour of pure entertainment for all.  

There was never a dull moment and I think it was so because of the meticulous planning and execution of the flow of the event. The two anchors gave a running commentary to connect the concept themed "Jindagi ke funde, Bollywood style"

I happened to be at Cross Maidan during the day time too and saw the troupe practicing. I captured some parts of the practice. 

Later while editing the video, I spliced in the practice part with the final performance. You can see the vast difference it makes with the colourful costumes,  lighting and with the proper sound control of the music. If the artists had attempted lip synchronization with the songs, it would have been totally perfect.

I have put together the first part of the video. You may observe a bit of shake at times, but then that is the best I could do with a hand held camera and trying to zoom in to capture the action which was happening about 50 meters away. 

One word about the performers, it is very evident that they really enjoyed what they did and that was enough reason for the audience to keep on clapping.

Behind the stage you can see the magnificent stone building (build in 1899) which is the headquarters of the Western Railway. 

More on the other parts of the Kala Ghoda festival in part-II of the blog. 
PS: The second part of the video  has been uploaded on YouTube.

PS:PS: The third and final part of the video too has been uploaded.

While editing the third part I realised how truly blessed we are in having the vast diversity in our country.