Dear Well Wishers,
My earlier article written on ‘Usha Mehta and her Sakhi Group’ was well received by our IH members. Noe, that article is on our IH website and social media as well. Thanx to Dr. K. for the same…
As I mentioned Garba is a form of Circle dance and Social dance form originating in the state of Gujarat, India, and played across the Indian diaspora worldwide. In fact, the phrase “Garba dance is in Gujarati blood…”
Ushaben has introduced the same dance in our IH. Since she is a good dancer, I asked her, “Do you know Lavani Dance..?” She said, “I do know, basically it is a Marathi Dance and do know dancer Dr. Meena Nerurkar from New Jersey…” Guess what, Dr. Meena Nerurkar was my HS friend-neighbor from Bombay and we are in touch with each other periodically. Isn’t it a small world..?
Antway, Lavani is a popular folk dance form in Maharashtra, India, known for its vibrant energy, sensuous movements, and traditional music. It combines song and dance, often performed with the distinctive sound of the dholki, a percussion instrument. Lavani’s history dates back centuries, with performances traditionally taking place before kings and soldiers.
Proud to mention, Dr. Meena Nerurkar is a gynecologist, actor, director, author, dancer, choreographer, film producerand etc. Being a gynecologist she was invited by President Bill Clinton to the White House to participate in health care reform. Besides, Meena performed, directed and introduced super hit Lavani and Lavani Dance three act play with her group here in USA and in India successfully with overall more than 100 shows. In fact. she kept that tradition alive…
Dr. Meena Nerurkar has appeared on American TV in the ABC soap opera ‘One Life to Live‘ She has also performed the role in Bollywood movie ‘English Vinglish’ and the Hollywood movies ‘Sleepwalkers Anonymous’ and ‘Dr. Ravi & Mr. Hyde’. The film ‘A Dot Com Mom‘ is produced and directed by Dr. Meena Nerurkar who has also performed in this film. Dr Meena Nerurkar divides her time between Philadelphia & Mumbai….
“Jayant, I am doing ‘Yoga and Meditation’, I will call you later on…” Mostly, I get this answer when I called and when she call me back, we talk hours. Especially, old memories…
Last, but not the least. My dear wife Veena has introduced our Marathi Lavani and sang Lavani song in style-rhythm-ठसक्यात in one of our IH program session at Jamaica head office, months ago. Just a reminder…
Please see attached photos below…
Take care with regards,
Jayant.
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