A performance-filled evening

Suswara Academy of Performing Arts gave a presentation of classical music and dance titled 'Kala Sandhya Mouktika' at Shilparamam on the weekend. The opening veena concert was by Y Srilatha accompanied on the mridangam by Nikshith Puttur. Natukuranji Varnam was the first item. The melodious strains of the instrument were wafted far in Shilparamam to the delight of all. "Bhagayanayya" a composition of Tyagaraja in “Chandrajyothi Raagam” filled the air with a devotional atmosphere.

"Pakkala nilabadi" in “Kharaharipriya” was also by the great saint. Next was a Bharatanatyam recital by Aruna Bhargavi from Bengaluru. She began with a “Pushpanjali” of Balamuralikrishna in Arabhi praising lord Ganesha. Thodaymangalam "jai janaki rama" in ragamalika and talamalika in praise of Lord Rama was well structured and full of statuesque poses and excellent abhinaya.

The main varnam in purvikalyani by Kameshwaran was a skilful depiction of the heroine's longing for lord Muruga and her wish to be with him. She complains to a sakhi of his indifference to her and neglect of his promises to her. Darshan Abhivadye was the next Bharatanatyam artiste, who also started with the “Pushpanjali” by Rajkumar Bharathi in “Naata Raga”. Devi Stuti was a treat to behold, displaying the splendidly various forms of Devi in Ragamalika, taken from Lalitasahasranamam shlokas in Rajarajeswari Ashtakam.

A Devarnama by Purandaradasa in Simhendra Madhyamam extolling the charming beauty of lord Krishna decked in Vyjayanthimala and other ornaments who appeared to him in a dream was the last item in this recital. The last part of the programme was a Kuchipudi performance by Aalekhya Prabha. She started with slokas from Nritya Ratnavali describing the loving interaction between Siva-Parvati. "Mandodari Shabdam" in Mohana Raagam tells the story of Ravana marrying Mandodari.

The various episodes were competently executed by the young talented dancer. She concluded with a charming padam "Kodi Kusene", where the heroine blames the crowing rooster for disturbing her union with her lord.

By Anna Rao