Odissi, the Japanese connection

The beauteous Odissi dance has admirers and exponents not only in India but also beyond. In Japan, for example, there are disciples and  schools to teach the art. Why does this classical dance from the shores of the Bay of Bengal attract dancers from far-off Japan? Amrita Singh from Kobe, meets three exponents to find out

Amala Shankar: Living life to the lees

She was 94 when I last met her in her apartment in Ballygunge. Though a bit frail , she had been suffering from fever a few days ago Amala Shankar told me, she was as gracious as ever and was ready for a chat. What was striking was how simple she was, with no air despite being so famous in her heyday as a danseuse and choreographer and carried on her legacy till late into life.