 Priyadarshini's
Bharata natyam recital, under the auspices of ‘Sarasalaya’, at the
Vani Mahal (P Obul Reddy Hall) recently highlighted the meticulous training she had been receiving for over six years from her illustrious guru -- veteran, Kalaimamani
K J Sarasa, in no uncertain manner.
The dancer was doubly blessed that evening in that her guru herself did the
Nattuvangam enthusiastically despite enervating health conditions. What was more, the truly supportive accompanists -- sister K J Sita (assisting Sarasa), Girija Ramaswamy (Vocal), Sakthivel (Mridangam), Muruganandam (Violin) and Sankaranarayanan (Flute), enhanced the denseuse’s recital to much higher levels. Chief Guest Jayanthi Subramaniam, a well-known, senior artiste and guru, as also an acclaimed choreographer, made appreciative remarks about the accompanists.
Beginning with the traditional
Pushpanjali, Priyadarshini rendered ‘Sankara Srigiri (Hamsanandi- Adi:
Swathi Tirunal) pleasingly, delineating the manifold aspects of the Cosmic Dancer
Lord
Shiva. The presentation was indeed impressive.
The Varnam ‘Maamohalahiri Meerudhe’ (Kamaas-Rupakam) described the pangs of separation of the lovelorn nayika from her beloved
Lord Muruga. Jayanthi, the Chief Guest, lauded, particularly the graceful Sancharis, so effectively interwoven with the theme, a noteworthy speciality of Guru
Sarasa.
 The
Annamacharya Padam in Yamuna Kalyani ‘Bhavayami Gopala Balam’ (Kanda Chapu) presented movingly Mother Yasoda’s boundless love for her mischievous son Krishna. Priyadarshini did this number so effectively that when she concluded this number by lulling Bala Krishna to sleep with great difficulty, the audience applauded her performance warmly. Much to their delight, Priyadarshini came back and cautioned them not to disturb the sleeping child with their loud claps! This was charming. The Lalgudi Thillana, in Maandu – Adi, evidenced the dancer’s expertise in foot work, inter
alia.
This third year student of
Ramachandra Medical
College, Porur, Chennai, is also learning Carnatic vocal music from senior musicians Geetha Raja and Latha Ramadas. She needs purposeful encouragement.
A bit of advice, Priyadarshini. Learn to smile while dancing. This will help ‘Bhava delineation’ very much more. A serious face, all through the recital, (notwithstanding justifiable provocations) is just not welcome. 'YATHO BHAAVAH TATHO RASAH' -- please!
R Srinivasan
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Priyadarshini's pleasant recital
