Kalatapaswi’s classics come alive on stage

Hyderabad-based Kuchipudi dancer Srutakirti danced to the songs from Viswanath’s classic films in a spellbinding performance at Ravindra Bharathi

Jaywant Naidu

Film Director K Viswanath is synonymous to tradition and culture and his movies upheld the same in terms of dance and music. Kuchipudi dancer Srutakirti gave a unique performance at Ravindra Bharathi on Tuesday, with all the items were set to the immortal songs from Viswanath’s films. ‘Shruthi Neevu Gathi Neevu’ from the film ‘Swati Kiranam’ was the song that flagged off the programme. Then the songs like ‘Pranati Pranati Pranati’, ‘Alokaye Sakhi Balakrishnam’, ‘Akhilandeshwari Chamundeshwari’, ‘Koluvai Unnade Deva Devudu’, ‘Naada Vinodam Natya Vilasam’ from the film ‘Sagara Sangamam’, ‘Om Nama Shivaya’ and a Guru Vandana were composed by Srutakirti, herself.

The very interesting aspect of this program is about how it all happened. It was on Guru Poornima day when Srutakirti was practicing dance at her home with her friends. Viswanath, who stays a floor above, was going down in the lift when he suddenly heard a song from his movie and decided to come to her flat and see what was happening. He saw the young dancers flying around in rhythms creatively set to his film songs. Srutakirti requested him to give permission to do this exclusive program on stage and thus was born, this wonderful concept. The eminent director sat through the programme and announced the title of ‘Natya Vasantha’ to Srutakirti at the end of the program.