Praveen Kumar and Chitkala Ensemble presenting ‘Tyagaraja Hriday Sadana’. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

It is good to see that the dancers are also exploring the emotions in Tyagaraja’s compositions. One such effort was Praveen Kumar’s ‘Tyagaraj Hriday Sadana’. Presented by his Bengaluru-based Chitkala School of Dance, it was an offering to Rama through the works of the saint-poet. Conceived and choreographed by Praveen Kumar, the performance was distinctive for its aestheticism, imagination, acting and dance.

He begins with a stanza in praise of Tyagaraja – ‘Vyaso Naigama Charchaya’ which compares him to Vyasa in knowledge of the Vedas, to Valmiki in choice of words, to Shuka Muni in renunciation and to Prahlad in devotion. As soon as the fragrance of Yadukul Kambhoji passed through the strings of the violin, he started ‘Shri Ram Jai Ram, Shringaar Ram’ and exuded vatsalya rasa, veer rasa and shringaar rasa. ‘Uyyalalugavaiya’ was a delight, as Divya Hoskere as Kaushalya showered her love on little Ram through her acting and turned into the quintessential mother.

‘Sogasu Juda Tharama’ depicts a satirical romance with Srima Upadhyay as Sita, displaying her admiration for Rama’s good looks. Praveen Kumar as Ram was the epitome of decency and chivalry.

‘Jagadanandakara’, the first Pancharatnam was the main object that was used solely to depict many events of the Ramayana. The Rama-Ravana battle was brought to life with powerful ensembles specially created for this production.

When he concluded with Thilana, an indescribable joy spread across the packed hall.

The orchestra was greatly appreciated and appreciated. R. Raghuram impressed with his soulful singing. Harsh Samaga on Mridangam, Mahesh Swami on flute, Mandya Nagaraj on violin and Anuar Vinod Shyam on tabla, kanjira and cymbals provided enthusiastic support.

Mangaluru-based dancer Radhika Shetty’s ‘Ashtanayika’. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The performance was part of ‘Nrityalhari’, a series of events to celebrate Bharatanatyam. It was organized by the choreography of Mangaluru-based dancer Radhika Shetty. The program was started by Madurai R. ‘Ashtanaayikas’ presented through the song ‘Navarasam Thadhumbam Nattiyakalaye’ composed by Muraleedharan. ‘Swadhina Bhartrika’ keeps her husband under her control, ‘Vasakasajja’ prepares the place for her lord’s arrival, ‘Virahotakanthita’ goes through the pain of separation, ‘Proshita Bhartraka’ feels sad as her husband leaves the station. has gone out, ‘Vipralabdha’ becomes angry, she suspects that her master is unfaithful to her, ‘Khandita’ becomes arrogant and angry when her husband comes back to her, ‘Kalahantarita’ is confused. She wonders what to do and ‘Abhisarika’ decides to go back to her ashram, ready to compromise.

The song was performed by dancers from Mangaluru. Choreographed by Vidyasree Radhakrishna, the song was set in Ragamalika and each stanza briefly captured the state of mind of a particular heroine. The dancers presented the emotions effectively with their appropriate acting. The song was accompanied by Jathis to add liveliness to the performance. Vidyashree’s introduction to pure Kannada was clear and helpful.

Lalgudi Jayaraman’s Thilaana in Sindhubhairavi with Charanam in praise of Muruga was a visual delight as Vidyasree included ‘Mayura Narthana Edavas’ and Kavadiyattam in her choreography.