With a focus on Shiva

Anwesha Das presented a traditional margam themed on the Lord of Chidambaram.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Anwesha Das, a disciple of Urmila Satyanarayanan, presented a traditional margam for her performance for Kartik Fine Arts. The alarippu in Sankirna Chaapu featured elements representative of his iconic image — the Damaru, the Ganga flowing from his locks, the tiger skin and snake — through interesting poses and simple movements.

In continuance of the focus on Shiva, Karaharapriya raga varnam ‘ Mohamahinen’ composed by K.N. Dandayudhapani Pillai, dealt with the emotions of a nayika pining for her union with the lord of Chidambaram, entreating her sakhi to go and fetch her lord. Anwesha explored the ideas convincingly with familiar sancharis such as the moonlight scorching the nayika’s body, bees hovering over the flowers, and her lotus face wilting awaiting his arrival. The detailing of the sugarcane bow, the lotus flower arrow of Kamadeva that assaults her, and expressions of pining state made for some beautiful moments. The first theermanam that stretched too long was a little weary, but it settled down, and Anwesha’s movements were neatly executed.

Anwesha Das’ fine expressions for the Purvikalyani javali stood out.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The popular Tulsidas bhajan ‘Sri ramachandra kripalu’ in raga Yamunakalyani was filled with certain key incidents of Rama’s life that the dancer depicted with simple details. Sita’s first meeting with Rama, her swayamvar and the final depiction of Hanuman to the lines ‘Yatra yatra raghunatha’ was powerfully visualised.

Moving on to a lighter vein, the javali ‘Neematalu emayanuraa’ in raga Purvikalyani explored the thoughts of a samanya nayika, who taunts her beloved, reminding him of all the empty promises he made of adorning her with fancy robes and jewels, which remain unfulfilled. Anwesha sailed through this with fine expressions of jealousy and anger. A thillana in raga Kaanada was the concluding item of the performance.

Sai Kripa Prasanna, wielding the cymbals, G. Srikanth on vocals, Guru Bharadwaj on the mridangam, Eshwar Ramakrishnan on the violin and Muthu Kumar on the flute provided competent support.