CM Vishnu Deo Sai meets Kathak Maestro Ramlal Bareth

Raipur(TEAM NEWS BUDDY).Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met renowned Kathak dancer Ramlal Bareth, who is associated with Raigarh Gharana, at the State Guest House Pahuna. Chief Minister Shri Sai invited Shri Bareth to commend his contribution and honour him for elevating Chhattisgarh’s cultural pride. Maharaja Chakradhar Singh recognised the innate talent of Ramlal Bareth when he was 4 years old. He assured Ramlal Bareth’s father, Kirtanram, who was also associated with the Kathak art form, that he would train Bareth under his supervision. Bareth underwent training supervised by Maharaja Chakradhar Singh and other acclaimed artists nationwide. Ramlal Bareth fulfilled the trust Maharaja Chakradhar Singh placed in him. He elevated Raigarh Gharana to new heights and received accolades from the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award to the prestigious Padmashree Award.

Sai stated,” Ramlal Bareth made Chhattisgarh proud of the country through his artistic talent. I have heard stories associated with Raigarh, especially the stories of Maharaja Chakradhar Singh’s musical prowess. I have also heard that the melodies of Tabla played by Maharaj ji had the power to control nature, even invoking the rain in that area”. Chief Minister acknowledged the honour of having a Kathak maestro, Bareth, who learned under such a distinguished artist.
Bareth is now 88 years old. He shared about his old days of financial hardships, which intensified after Maharaja Chakradhar Singh departed from Raigarh state. He further shared that Kathak dance needs a skilled accompanist. Through perseverance, he overcame the obstacles and ensured the continued prestige of the Raigarh Gharana in the realm of Kathak.

Bareth had a strong connection with eminent Kathak artists nationwide and particularly shared a close bond with Pandit Birju Maharaj. Pandit Birju Maharaj was also born in Raigarh. The Raigarh was the nurturing ground for Bareth’s Kathak journey; he enriched himself through the lessons of luminaries like Achchan Maharaj and started his remarkable journey of exploration of the Kathak art form.
Bareth highlighted the past significance of classical music and dance in films. Notably, Ustad Amir Khan Saheb had a close connection with the Raigarh Gharana, while actress and singer Sulakshana Pandit’s father was also associated with the Raigarh Gharana.
Bareth is passing on the Kathak legacy to the next generation and shared that his grandfather and father were also associated with the Kathak art form. Now, his sons are also actively involved in the Kathak art form.

Expressing joy, Bareth revealed his happiness at being chosen for the Padmashree award by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stated,” Today, the Chief Minister honoured me at Pahuna, and I have a desire that Kathak may gain prominence in the nation through the Raigarh Gharana.”