Originating in 18th-century Maharashtra under the Peshwa regime, Lavani, derived from the root word, lavanya, is a form of folk dance that epitomises grace and has the shringar ras at its core. What unfolded over more than 100 minutes was thus a confluence of Marathi folk tunes and dance recitals charged with unrestrained female eroticism. Directed by Bhushan Korgaonkar, Lavani Ke Rang began with the sutradhar, Geetanjali Kulkarni, chronicling the history of the artform. The first recital, "Lahi lahi hote", described a lonely dancer awaiting her patron. The transaction was incomplete without wolf whistles from the audience, with musical accompaniments like the dholak, tabla and harmonium adding to the cheer.

Source: The Telegraph January 13, 2024 21:51 UTC