Russian romance

When you visit Raghavraj Bhatt at his residence, the renowned Kathak artiste will not let you leave without having something sweet. Of course, that’s an Indian tradition, you might think, as you are served a tray of chocolates with tea. But it’s only after a chat with the man that you realise that the tray represents the sweet mingling of Indian and Russian culture.

Bhatt has just returned after a three-and-a-half-year stint in Russia, as a teacher and performer. “I was sent by the ICCR to aid the cultural exchange, “ he says about his time at the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre (JNCC) in Moscow.

Classes on classical dance, Yoga, Hindi and the like are held at the JNCC. Around 800 students join each month, and over 140 classes are taught weekly by Indian and Russian teachers.

Bhatt’s stay was extended from two years to three, as the ambassador (Ajai Malhotra) chose to keep him on for the Prime Minister’s two crucial visits. Bhatt also made the most of his stay there by showcasing his lesser known talent of painting at a couple of art shows.

In the first year itself, he created a 90-minute ballet titled 'SamkaraSagara', which included both Indian as well as Russian dance forms. “We travelled all over Russia and covered a total of 29 cities. At first, we wondered whether they would have the patience to sit through such an elaborate production, but the Russian audience is just amazing!” he shares.

Bollywood has been Russia’s bridge to Indian culture for decades. “Many of the older people can’t resist singing Raj Kapoor’s "Mera Joota hai Japani" when they meet an Indian” he explains.

Bhatt says his favourite moments while travelling around the huge country were the impromptu dances with the hosts. “Everywhere we went, the hosts would welcome us with regional  folk dances. And I joined them. They also serve chocolates with coffee.”

Teaching Russians was a very different experience. “The Russians are perfectionists. They want to get every detail right and once they dress up, you can’t even tell that they are not Indians,” remarks, the teacher, who also brought back five Russian dancers, who showed interest in training further in Kathak. They are now training in Aakruthi Kathak Kendra under him and his dancer-wife Mangala Bhatt.