"It invites international and UK-based artists."
Sujata Banerjee MBE is the founder of her own dance company – SBDC, which proudly presented the 2024 Hemantika Festival.
A respected Kathak dancer in the UK, she started teaching at the age of 18.
In 1982, she moved to the UK and started blending her teaching ability with her art.
The 2024 Hemantika Festival celebrates dance in unique ways.
Beginning from October 22 to November 30, 2024, the event includes a spectacle of diverse events.
The 2024 theme is Reflections, which honours the legacy of Kathak while embracing modern interpretations.
The programme featured the captivating Kathak reimagination of Tchaikovsky’s ballet, known as Goddess of Swan Lake.
In our exclusive chat, Sujata Banerjee detailed the festival and shared some insights into her Kathak art.
Can you tell us a bit about the Hemantika Festival? What does it entail, and what is its mission?
It’s the South Asian Dance Festival in London with a focus on classical dance styles.
It runs for extended periods, and each year, it invites international and UK-based artists.
It is named after the season Hemant, the late autumn.
The Nobel prize winner poet Rabindranath Tagore described Hemantika as a mysterious lady who is covered in a veil of autumn mist and fog.
Can you describe Reflections – the 2024 theme?
In 2024, before we start celebrating 40 years of SBDC, 10 years of the festival, we have decided to reflect back on our work over the last nine years and its relevance.
What importance do you think dance holds in the Desi community?
It is a very important part of the Indian culture and for the younger generation who are growing up in the UK.
It is extremely important that they take pride in their cultural heritage and take this forward in the coming years.
Dance has the maximum number of transferable skills.
The broader the skills younger people acquire, the brighter their careers will be.
What does Kathak mean to you as a dance form?
I don’t see my life as separate from dance.
The discipline, energy, and focus make me complete.
The focus, open eyes and mind, and a positive attitude are what I need in life.
Kathak teaches all.
Its rhythmic intricacy, spiritual yet flamboyant, and energetic quality are all aspects that I have imbibed.
Are there any dancers who have inspired you as an artist?
Many – my Gurus: Pandit Birju Maharaj, Pandit Ravi Shankar and many more.
These people continued their practice for decades.
They were so enriched and immersed in the richness of their culture.
Wealth didn’t matter. They had much dedication, which helped them to succeed.
In turn, their work inspired me and encouraged many others.
What advice would you give to people who want to become professional dancers?
Immerse in the richness of the culture – inspire other people and enjoy the whole life of the profession.
I hope new dancers embrace the craft and work hard.
The Hemantika Festival is rich with inspiration.
It is filled with a vibration of diverse collaboration and creativity. That’s what I hope people take from it.
Sujata Banerjee is undoubtedly a symbol of dance and creative excellence.
The 2024 Hemantika Festival also include intimate workshops and performances led by her.
These encompass family-friendly sessions and advanced-level Kathak instruction.
In a previous DESIblitz interview, Sujata said of earning an MBE:
“I have always believed in dance education and promoted it passionately but never thought that it would be recognised by the state with such an honour.
“To be honest, I feel lucky too, because there are so many artists who are doing wonderful work.
“It reinforces my belief to carry on doing your work sincerely – whether you are rewarded or not, at least you will be good at what you do.”
The Hemantika Festival is appropriately a reflection of her achievements and her passion.
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