Upaj: Improvise

Upaj: Improvise, released in 2013, is a spellbinding documentary that reveals an unusual partnership between Indian Kathak maestro Pandit Chitresh Das and African-American tap dancer Jason Samuels Smith. The narrative of Upaj (meaning 'improvise' in Hindi) is focused on the compelling concept of cultural exchange and understanding as expressed through the language of rhythmic dance.

The film embarks on a journey that takes the audience to a unique crossroads of rhythm, culture, history, and generation. At the core, Upaj: Improvise reflects on the shared affinity and undeniable connections of two disparate but deeply bonded forms of dance - Kathak, a classical Indian dance with intricate footwork and swift pirouettes, and Tap, characterized by its improvisational, percussive rhythms and grounded in the African-American experience.

As the title suggests, Upaj: Improvise is as much about the dance as it is the underlying philosophy of improvisation. This feature-length documentary provides a window into the life and creative process of these two artists, their personal journeys, their art form, and the beautiful confluence of their distinct but interconnected dance styles. It questions whether the traditional has a place in the modern, and how the old can enrich the new in an art form as dynamic as dance.

We see a 62-year-old Pandit Chitresh Das, a legendary figure of Indian classical dance, inspiring with his relentless energy and profound agility, maintaining the age-old tradition of Kathak in all its purity and improvising it into global relatability. He is seen marrying the storytelling elements of Kathak with the rhythmic complexities of Tap in a way that transcends cultural barriers.

Meanwhile, 32-year-old Emmy award-winning Jason Samuels Smith, one of the finest tap dancers the world has seen, exudes a youthful, innovative energy. He retains the essence of the cultural legacy of Tap dance, coloring it with his personal charisma and pulling it away from any stereotypes.

One of the film's most compelling aspects is showcasing their landmark collaboration in 'India Jazz Suites', a dynamic stage production that has had global impacts. This electrifying performance is an experiment and a celebration of rhythm, life, and shared universality.

The film documents the journey of these two accomplished artists, showing how they collaborate, challenging each other, learning from their differences, and ultimately creating a sonic and visual treat. Herein we see that the universal language of rhythm and dance transcends linguistic, cultural, and geographical narratives. The film serves as a platform to propagate their message about the importance of cultural exchange, mutual respect, and learning amongst disparities.

Helmed by Antara Bhardwaj and Hoku Uchiyama, Upaj: Improvise documents many smaller, nuanced moments. These include Das teaching Smith Kathak steps, Smith explaining Tap's peculiar characteristics to Indian children, and more. Sensitively dealt with, these instances reinforce the essence of ‘Upaj’, the spontaneous creation of something new and beautiful while in a state of flow with what is occurring around you.

The 74-minute film is shot across India and the United States capturing the contrasts and the vibrancies of both nations, perfectly complementing the two styles of dance. The cinematography is vivid and arresting, with an emphasis on depicting dance’s physicality and finesse. Real-life scenes interspersed with stunning stage performances and insightful interviews provide a holistic view of the artists and their art off and on stage.

Upaj: Improvise is not just a tale of two talents meeting at the intersection of two dance forms, but it is a slice of life that accentuates the possibility of harmony and mutual respect amidst diversity. It is a testament to the universality of art and the human capacity to communicate beyond verbal language.

All in all, Upaj: Improvise expertly unearths the richness of two contrasting dance styles, fuelling the ongoing conversation on cultural preservation, assimilation, and artistic evolution. It doesn't shy away from delving deep into historical roots and the roles they play in shaping culturally complex art forms like Kathak and Tap. If you love the power of rhythm, the art of dance, or simply enjoy compelling documentaries, Upaj: Improvise is a captivating master stroke not to be missed.