Indira Kadambi’s performance during Tharmanam was marked by high energy and clarity of movements. , Photo Courtesy: Srinath M

The relationship between the two main aspects of Bharatanatyam – Sangeetham and Natyam – and the possibilities that emerge from it are the main ideas behind the ‘Parampara’ series, an initiative of Nrityopasana Trust and Natyarangam. The latest edition featured singer TV Ramprasad and dancer Indira Kadambi. The pair lived up to the idea with a stellar performance. Their coordination and understanding was evident throughout the performance. Starting with Alarippu and ending with an English note, he kept the momentum alive through a carefully crafted repertoire that struck a good balance between nritta and abhinaya.

Ramprasad’s musical skill and experience was evident from the sensitivity with which he used ragas, swaras and literature. He blended them seamlessly with movement and expression. His appropriate explanation before each composition, whether it is highlighting the various forms of Anandbhairavi raga, through the comparative use of different swara patterns in the past, or highlighting the beauty and method of Niraval singing, gives us knowledge of the grammar of the music. Gave.

Indira Kadambi effortlessly expressed different shades of emotions during her Anandabhairavi Pada Varnam. , Photo Courtesy: Srinath M

energetic performance

Indira’s dance was marked by high energy and clarity of movements during the Tharmanam, while her ability to convey different shades of emotions effortlessly maintained the interest during the Anandabhairavi Pada Varnam by Melatur Veerabhadraya. It narrates the pain of a heroine who is troubled by the heroine’s indifference towards her. Indira described each communicant twice to highlight the different treatment meted out to the two women. His portrayal was as profound as it was enjoyable.

The highlight of the show was the Tyagaraja composition ‘Eti Janmadi’, where Ramprasad’s soulful rendition of Varali raga and Indira’s bhava captured the poignancy of the song. The pace slowed down a bit due to the extensive depiction of important scenes from Ramayana.

The selected compositions included dancers from Indira’s organization Ambalam. One of them was Alarippu (composed by Mridangist Nagaraj), known for the footwork and coordination between Indira and her six disciples. Two Nindastuthi – Kalamegam in Tamil and Purandaradasa in Kannada – added a touch of humor by staging a debate between Parvati and Lakshmi on the virtues of their husbands with dancers.

Students of Indira Kadambi performing Alarippu. , Photo Courtesy: Srinath M

The performance ended on an English note, Muttiah Bhagavathar’s Shankarabharanam composition. The choreography combined elements of ballroom dancing with advas. The group’s exuberance expressed the rhythmic beauty of this piece. The harmony for the English notes was arranged by Vishnu Ramprasad, who added a nice touch to all the songs with his Navtar. GS Nagaraj’s powerful rhythm support, Nithish Ammaniah’s melodious tone on the flute and Ramya Suresh’s confident cymbal playing enhanced the musical experience.