Payal Ki Jhankaar

This is a wonderfully Indian movie about art and devotion and commitment to it. The story touches all those that truly love dance, especially Katthak. Katthak (also spelled 'Kathak') is a north Indian dance form that blends grace and emotion with intricate footwork that goes in delightful accompaniment to intricate beats played on a percussion instrument. The central character is a young orphaned girl, Shyama, raised by her uncle and his not so cordial wife. The only silver lining of her loveless existence is the friendship, support and faith of a boy named Gopal. Gopal inspires and encourages Shyama to dream beyond the confines of her simple village life and urges her to seek tutelage under an able dance guru.

The highlight of the movie is the dance performances of Surinder Kaur, playing the role of Veena and Komal Mahuvakar (as Shyama). The songs are also very soothing, mostly being based on classical music. Underneath all of this lovely music, dance and refreshing story is the theme: What does the true artist ultimately seek ? Fame, fortune and glory by exhibiting one's talent and skills to the world ? Or the sheer joy that lies in unfolding the secrets of that art as one worships it with ones devotion and commitment ?