 The perfect ten
‘Anwesha’ means ‘the eternal seeker’. Teenager danseuse Anwesha Das, disciple of eminent dancer-guru Urmila Sathyanarayana, is just that - a seeker after perfection in her art, Bharatanatyam. “Of the 10 qualities of a dancer as detailed in the shastras, I can say that Anwesha has at least seven," praised Bharatanatyam celebrity exponent V P Dhananjayan on the occasion of Anwesha's maiden performance four years ago. Anwesha is seeking to complete the ‘perfect 10’, obviously.
Her dance recital at the Narada Gana Sabha mini hall December 4, revealed, in ample measure, her relentless quest for perfection. She danced for about 75 minutes only, performing the Gambiranattai - Adi - Lalgudi Pushpanjali, striking a deal with the remover of obstacles - Vigna Vinayaka – ‘Lord ! I will give you a sweet mixture of milk-honey-jaggery pulp and paruppu and, in return, you please bestow on me exalted scholarship!”
Then the Ragamalika Varnam 'Saamiyai Azhaitthodi Vaadi Sakhiye’; the Ragamalika - Adi - Bharati folksy composition ‘Om Sakthi Om Sakthi; Ganapathi Rayan, the Saurashtram Padam ‘Adhuvum Solval, Innamum Solval’; and the finale, Hamsanandi - Adi - GNB Thillana - ‘Engum
Niraindha…’
The 30-minute Varnam rendition was clinching evidence of Anwesha's abundant natural talent and her propelling dedication embellished with well-learnt jathi patterns, springy sancharis and enchanting footwork.
The langurous expressions of the love-smitten Nayika, the coquettish bhava-laden reminiscences and the neat abhinaya were vibrant. The Siva-Nataraja portrayals were colourful, longing reflections. Her guru Urmila, who did the nattuvangam for the recital, was obviously well-pleased with her disciple’s performance.
The sarcastic Saurashtram Padam picturised graphically the stoic resignation of the heroine when she hears of a close nuvo-rich friend’s arrogant utterances. “She will certainly say this, she will say much more, why blame her, let go, please!” The colourful presentation was much appreciated.
The Thillana was a symphony of perfect harmony adorned with dance - margam - traditions. True to her name, Anwesha marches on, skilfully towards her goal for perfection.
The supports, besides Urmila, were Swamimalai S K Suresh (vocal), Haribabu (mridangam) and Sasidhar (flute).
R Srinivasan
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