Folk artist Surekha Punekar on “Best of Great Bhet” only on IBN-Lokmat

The 200 year old dance formLavani, has still managed to maintain its versatility in many states even today. In Maharashtra and in some parts of Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu this traditional folk dance is performed in quick tempo by diverse artists. Lavani comes from the word — Lavanya, which means beauty. This week meet Surekha Punekar, famously known as “Lavani Queen” in “Best of Great Bhet” as she opens her heart out on Saturday, 6^th July 2013 at 9:30 pm only on IBN-Lokmat.

Lavani is a combination of traditional song and dance, which is performed to the beats of dholki, a percussion instrument. It is performed by a female artist who is dressed in a nine yard sari. This mode of dance form served as an entertainment and morale booster to many people way back in the 18^th and 19^th century. Lavani reached its peak in popularity during Peshwai rule in Maharashtra when it was given royal support. Many renowned Marathi poets like Honaji Bala, Ramjoshi, Prabhakar gave this art form a new height. In recent times Lavani has become a dance genre that is accessible to masses and spreads social messages with a blend of traditional music.

Spreading positive light with the help of Lavani, Surekha Punekar is one of the few Lavani artists’ who can sing and dance at the same time. She is amongst the few artists who is trying to keep this art form alive. Meet this Lavani legend in this week’s episode of “Best of Great Bhet”. Tune into IBN-Lokmat on Saturday, 6^th July 2013 at 9:30 pm only on IBN-Lokmat as she shares her tale of a glamorous life of a folk artist.

Missed this episode? You can catch it on Sunday, 7^th July 2013 at 9:30 pm@ 12 noon and 5:00 pm only on IBN-Lokmat.