The senior dancer’s performance brought out her expertise and maturity as a performer
The easing of restrictions has brought the performing arts back on stage. Rasika Ranjani Sabha started the season with a series of dance performances at her Navratri Festival. Senior dancer Meenakshi Chittaranjan was part of the line-up. ,
Carrying on the tradition of Pandanallur Bani, Meenakshi begins her performance with a short verse written by Adi Shankara in praise of the goddess, before proceeding to the Thanjavur quartet composition ‘Sri Rajarajeshwari’ raga Rama Manohari, Adi Taal. . , Addressing Brahmadambha, the wife of Lord Brihadeshwara, Meenakshi described the qualities of the goddess through simple graceful postures and gestures.
Timeless Appeal of a Masterpiece
It was a great pleasure to watch Khamas Raga Varnam, ‘Swamiye Azhathu Odi Vaadi’ after a long gap. The grandeur of the composition in poetic form, the interaction of vocals and literature remains unparalleled. This Thanjavur quartet proves the timeless appeal of the composition in which the heroine asks her friend to bring it to Shiva, who wears snakes as ornaments, has tiger skin for clothes, and whose body is covered with ashes. Has happened.
Meenakshi discovered two aspects of Shiva’s third eye – destroying Manmadha and creating the six-headed Muruga through her sancharis.
A leisurely pace choice allowed the dancer to perform the Jaathi sequences in Varnam with perfection and precision at various speeds, making it a pleasurable experience to watch.
Ragamalika Devarnama ‘Baro Krishnayya’, popularized by Kanakadas, highlights the devotional element through a beautiful scene from the story of Kanakadas. A staunch Krishna devotee, he is denied entry to the Udupi temple because he is a shepherd. But inspired by his devotion, it is the Lord himself who can see Kanakadas.
Meenakshi’s portrayal of Kanakadasa’s agony at not being able to enter the temple and his enthusiasm to see Krishna brought to the fore his years of experience and maturity as an artist.
Musical support that enhanced the performance was provided by Pandanallur Pandian (cymbals), singers Gomathinaikam, Kalairasan (violin), and Sakthivel Muruganandam (mridangam).
Chennai-based writer reviews classical dance.
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