Highlights
Prerana Deshpande’s choreographic work is marked by structural clarity, nuanced expression, and refined musicality. In addition to choreography, Prerana has also created works of rhythm, music and literature for some of her pieces, making them a wholly unique creation. Her vast performance repertoire also consists of some traditional works inherited from her Guru's lineage that are rare and have become a sought-after hallmark of her performances across the globe. She has also done scholarly work on subjects like Mathematics in Kathak, and Abhinaya.
Taal Mala
First conceptualised by Guru Pt Mohanrao Kallianpurkar ji, with music by virtuoso Ratanjankar ji, Prerana inherited this piece from her Guru. 6 different rhythm cycles into one - a complex concept made into an energetic and appealing choreography in Prerana's new-age revival of this piece. Embellished with her artistic inputs, she has created a traditional rhythmic masterpiece for the modern world. Garnering praise since its premiere in 2018, this piece was also presented at NCPA in 2024.
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Vrindavan Raas
The mystical beauty of Vrindavan comes alive in this picturesque choreography based on Prerana's own musical and lyrical composition in Raag Patadeep - a rare occurrence of a Kathak artist composing their own music. Prerana's concept is to bring out the contrasting beauty of Krishna and Radha through elements of Kathak presentation. With Krishna as the heart and soul of Vrindavan, he is surrounded by Gopis and village folk. This choreography beautifully weaves traditional Kathak with the festive imagery of dance and music in Vrindavan.
Vartamaangupta
Another rare piece from the repertoire of Prerana's Gurus is the Vartamaangupta Nayika - an off-beat exploration of the traditional woman. Still relevant today, this piece tests the mastery over Abhinaya as it requires embodying a various emotions about love, morality, secrecy, and family - all in Baitha style i.e. a seated position. A major highlight of Prerana's work in Abhinaya, Vartamaangupta Nayika is a lyrical and Abhinaya masterpiece. The subtlety she brings to this piece is rooted in tradition, making this a gem from Kathak legacy.
Shanyayan - 7.5
Inspired by the Indian astrological theory of Saturn's influence of 7.5 years of turbulence on our lives, Prerana has created a unique 7.5 beat rhythm cycle. With her own rhythmic, lyrical, and musical compositions tailored to this cycle and concept, Prerana created this work as a prayer and offering to Lord Shani (Saturn). A special Kathak performance of this piece was 'Shanyayan - 7.5 beats and bells' led by Ishwari Deshpande's Kathak dance, featuring the Sitar Maestro Pt Ravi Chary and a group of young and exceptionally talented musicians, this performance received boundless praise by legendary critic Padma Shri Dr Sunil Kothari in his review.
Aise Ram
A traditional masterpiece from the repertoire, Prerana inherited this moving piece of Abhinaya from her Guru. Highlighting the strength and kindness of Lord Ram, Aise Ram is a piece of highly nuanced and skilled Abhinaya or expressions. Performed by Prerana for many years, this is a highlight of her mastery in Abhinaya and is still lauded by audiences across the globe.
Chaturang
4 styles of music, 4 Taal, 4 Raag - Chaturang. This particular Chaturang is another musically rich traditional composition which Prerana inherited from her Guru. Each part of this piece brings out a different kind of speciality of Kathak movement - a genius choreography by her Guru. Prerana's rendition is a perfect blend of grace and energy - starting with the musical and graceful thumri, Prerana does each part justice, bringing the piece to its energetic crescendo with a Tarana. A challenging piece to perform solo, her grace and flow in every part makes this a hallmark piece in her repertoire.
Beyond these works, Prerana has an enormous collection of choreographies to her name in various Taal, Abhinaya pieces, musical pieces, and more.
In a very wide range of Taal cycles like Teental, Jhaptaal, Ektaal, Roopak, Dhaamar, Deepchandi, Raas, Chautaal, Chitraroopak, Basant, Pancham Sawari, Jod-Roopak, Prerana has created and choreographed original compositions in languages of Kathak as well as percussion. Her choreographic works in the technical side of Kathak also expand into musical and rhythmic compositions like Tarana, Sargam, Chaturang, and more.
Her love for Abhinaya is evident in the wide range of thumris, bhajans, and other bandishes of storytelling to which she has created original choreography. Her abhinaya choreographies range across various emotions including love, devotion, anger, peace, and pain. Her reimagined choreographies to classic musical compositions like thumris by Guru Pt Bindadeen Maharaj, 'Shyam Chhabi', 'Niratata Dhanga', 'Dhroopad', 'Barsan Laage' and even Ghazals like 'Naina More' have distinguished her as an artist of endless creativity.