PunarIKSaNa

A Mesmerizing Pradosham Recital by Kum. M.S. Ananthashree and Smt. Revathy Ananthakrishnan

On November 13, 2024, Sri Dharmalingeshwara Temple, Nanganallur, became the stage for an enthralling Bharatanatyam recital as part of Nirvikalpa’s Pradosham initiative. This sacred platform is designed to provide artists with opportunities to immerse themselves in the spiritual essence of their art, and this recital by Kum. M.S. Ananthashree and Smt. Revathy Ananthakrishnan (disciples of Guru Kalaimamani Roja Kannan) was a shining example of this vision.

The performance began with Thodudaya Seviyan, a Thevaram composed by Tirugyana Sambandhar. Revathy Ananthakrishnan’s soulful rendition combined with precise movements captured the essence of Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer. Her abhinaya conveyed the divine attributes of the deity, setting a reverential tone for the recital.

Revathy continued with Subrahmanya Kauthvam, a traditional piece celebrating Lord Murugan. The energy of the choreography, coupled with her sharp nritta and vibrant expressions, brought alive the valor and grace of the deity. This was followed by Varugalaamo from Nandanar Charitram, where she delivered a heartfelt portrayal of Nandanar’s yearning to see the divine. Her poignant expressions and controlled movements evoked a deep emotional connection with the audience.

The recital then moved into duet performances, beginning with Devi Kauthvam, a rare composition by Madurai N. Krishnan. Revathy and Ananthashree performed in perfect sync, embodying the divine feminine energy with grace and precision. Their seamless coordination and fluidity of movement highlighted the nuanced choreography of the piece. This was followed by Jadadhara, one of the Saptharatnams by Oothukadu Venkata Kavi, where the duo showcased their rhythmic prowess. The intricate patterns and dynamic choreography (which happens to be a masterpiece choreographed by the legendary Guru Padmashree Adyar K. Lakshman) executed with commendable ease, drawing applause from the audience for their technical brilliance.

The evening concluded with Veyuru Tholibangan, performed by Ananthashree. Her command over abhinaya and nritta was evident as she depicted the poetic beauty of Lord Shiva with an arresting stage presence. Her powerful performance served as a fitting finale, leaving the audience captivated.

The recital exemplified Nirvikalpa’s mission of merging artistic excellence with spiritual depth. Each piece was thoughtfully chosen to reflect devotion and tradition, and the performers carried forward the legacy of their guru with elegance and sincerity. The sacred ambience of the Sri Dharmalingeshwara Temple amplified the impact of the recital, making it a truly memorable evening.

Nirvikalpa’s Pradosham initiative continues to be a remarkable platform for celebrating and preserving India’s classical art forms, and this recital was a beautiful testament to its purpose.