Hema regales audience at Khajuraho Dance fest

Khajuraho: The Khajuraho Dance Festival opened here with the performances of veteran Bollywood actress Hema Malini along with her daughters Esha and Ahana Deol. Hema who is also an accomplished Bharatnatyam dancer kicked off her performance last evening by presenting `Pushpanjali` followed by `Ardhnaereshwar` and an item in `Raag Vihar`. The yesteryear actress and her two daughters also presented items under the `Guru-Shishya parampara` (teacher-student tradition), leaving the audience mesmerised. The danseuse has been at the festival a number of times, but this was the first time she performed along with her daughters. The dance festival, held since last thirty years, is organised jointly by the Madhya Pradesh Department of Culture and Ustad Alauddin Khan Sangeet and Kala Academy. The fest that ends on February 7 will feature Kathak, Bharatanatyam and Mohiniattam dances. Abhimanyu Lal and Vidha Lal Kathak will present the kathak recital, while Rama Vaidhnathana will perform Bharatnatyam. The Mohiniattam recital will be given by Dr Kanak Rele. PTI