G Narendra’s performance was based on Hanuman. , Photo credit: S Thanthoni
Senior Bharatanatyam dancer G. Narendra followed a simple concept – focussing on Hanuman during the entire allotted time of 75 minutes. A meditation led to the sloka ‘manojavam maruta tulya vegam’ varnam ‘pavanam thanda bhuvana mudhale’ (Ritigowla, etc., lyrics by Professor Raghuraman, tune by Hariprasad Kaniyal).
Some felt that someone was watching the Puran of Hanuman’s exploits. The communicators were unhurried, and each episode was painstakingly produced with intense concentration and well-planned mime. Narendra, one of the first male dancers of his generation to gain popularity, has been successful as a choreographer, using Bharatanatyam to create stunning contemporary works such as Abhayasa and The Living Tree.
Narendra only needed to be inspired, and he certainly was that afternoon and gave his best in a rendition that was heart-warming, descriptive and entertaining, as well as classical in every sense, with a little something extra. There were also dramatic climaxes.
Narendra enjoyed every moment. Hanuman had an adorable moment as a bright child trying to fly. He first fails, and then encouraged by his parents, tries again and succeeds. He looks down, discovers how small the others look. Her father ensures a safe landing, catching her as she takes off. The crouching gait and rolling on the floor was unhindered and endearing.
During a mission to check on the citizens of Rama’s kingdom, Hanuman slaps a Rama devotee who was chanting his name during his bath, earning Rama’s wrath. This was further elaborated, followed by the famous incident of child Hanuman chasing the sun to a large fruit on the top of a tree. Other incidents like Hanuman’s journey to Lanka and lifting of Sanjivani mountain etc. were presented.
Narendra did not just present stories. The Theermanam in Varnam was executed with straight lines and grace, which was due to the finish.
The orchestra played with sensitivity – Sruthi Sagar (flute), Kalaiyarasan (violin) and Ramesh Babu (percussion: mathlam, mridangam). Binu Gopal (vocal) and Mahalakshmi Kameswaran (Nattuvangam) hold the show together with fine renditions of the jathis and Narendra’s free-flowing interpretation of ‘Manodharma Sanskari’.
There was to be a padam and a tilana, but there was no room for anyone except Hanuman.