Welcome to the first instalment of "Kathak Inspirations"
Introducing...
Photo credit: Unknown, sorry!
FASIH UR REHMAN
Fasih Ur Rehman is a disciple of Maharaj Ghulam Hussain Kathak, often considered the father of Kathak in Pakistan. Maharaj Ghulam Hussain was himself a disciple of Achan Maharaj, the father of Pt. Birju Maharaj (although as a Kathak dancer, you really should have known that...) Fasih Ur Rehman is therefore trained in what is often called the Lahore-Lucknow Gharana. He began his training in 1977 and went on later in life to study under Smt. Kumudini Lakhia, herself a legend in the Kathak world. Interestingly in a country that is often dubbed as very conservative, he was awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, the fourth-highest civilian decoration in Pakistan by the President and Government of Pakistan in 2006 for his services to Kathak.
Here are some YouTube links to a documentary on Fasih Ur Rehman. The documentary is in Urdu but with English subtitles. There are some beautiful clips and I believe it is filmed in Pakistan.
When it comes to Kathak dancers I must say that my inspirations are very biased; they are nearly all from the Lucknow gharana. Fasih Ur Rehman is an absolutely wonderful dancer. There is so much emotion in his dance, you're physically moved by his performances. He is often praised for being able to switch between masculine and feminine roles perfectly on stage. I have also always admired his simple but beautiful costumes. It makes one notice the dance more because there are no over the top costumes to distract ones' attention.
Here are the links to a performance of his in London, the filming is wonderful and also has some shots of the stage rehearsal.
Equally Fasih Ur Rehman's technique can't be faulted. His posture, grace and footwork are pristine. It is wonderfully inspiring to see such a well-rounded Kathak dancer. His dance really is breathtaking. For me, I also find it inspiring that he is Pakistani. As someone with Pakistani roots it is pretty amazing to see someone overcome all of the cultural and conservative boundaries and succeed. Whilst still representing Pakistan and all that it stands for. Kathak is in fact the national dance of Pakistan.
This is a link to an old performance of his from when he was much younger
Fasih Ur Rehman - Tribute to Maharaj Ghulam Hussain Kathak (1901-2001) Pakistan
Photo Credit: Unknown/SADA
And some more great links...
Fasih Ur Rehman is currently holding classes in London...
Starting from Sunday 14th July
Time: 15:00 to 17:00
Venue: The Royal Academy of Dance
36 Battersea Square, London, SW11 3RA
Fees: £25 per person per week
Learn subtle and clean postures of Kathak
And unique compositions of Ghulam Maharaj ji -Old and unique Compositions of Achchan Maharaj ji
A minimum of 3 years of training in Kathak is required to be able to do this class and the follow up sessions of regular classes.
Contact: fasih_rm@hotmail.com or shreyanag@hotmail.com
That's all for now! You should all go check out Fasih Ur Rehman!
Happy Dancing!
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