Impressive Bharatanatyam by Jyothsna Akilan


December 8, 2016

Jyothsna Akilan, disciple of Guru Anitha Guha, gave a delightful recital under the aegis of Natyarangam, dance wing of Narada Gana Sabha, Chennai, on 19th November 2016.

Jyothsna commenced her recital with a Shanmuga Kouthuvam composed by Gangai Muthu Nattuvanar in ragam Shanmugapriya. Immediately following was the central piece of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal's "Bhavayami Raghuramam" depicting the entire Ramayana episode in Ragamalika and roopaka thalam commencing with raga Saveri, followed by Natakurinji, Dhanyasi, Mohanam, Mukhari, Poorvikalyani and ending with Madyamavathi, delineating the various Kandams of the epic Ramayana. Jyothsna's sancharis for Lord Rama protecting the yaga of Saint Vasishta and other Rishis from Subahu and other demons, Rama's marriage with Sita by bending the Shiva Dhanush, Manthara skillfully changing the mind of Kaikeyi, Dasaratha falling on the ground unable to bear the impact of Kaikeyi's message and the Maricha episode in Aranya Kandam were all beautifully brought before our eyes. The jathis were executed faultlessly and with absolute precision.

Jyothsna went on to perform Muthuswamy Dikshitar's "Kancha dalayathakshi" in ragam Kamalamanohari on Goddess Kamakshi with delightful abhinaya. Then came the famous tarangam "Krishnam Kalayasakhi Sundaram" in Mukhari by Narayana Teerthar describing the beauty of Lord Krishna by the devotee to her friend. This item is equally popular in the Kuchipudi genre. The abhinaya for this piece was equally convincing. The fitting finale was the famous Dhanashree Thillana of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal "Geethadhumikithakadheem." It is equally popular among Carnatic vocalists. The attami, nritta and nrithya were much appreciated by the learned audience and one was left with the impression that Jyothsna, who has proved her mettle even at a young age of 14, will be a great asset to her Guru Anitha Guha. When the artist matures, her approach to the art will be further embellished.

The vocal support rendered by Randhini Aravind which was very impressive with the percussion from Ramshankar Babu, violin by Muruganandam and flute by Ramesh greatly enriched Jyothsna's recital. Guru Anitha Guha wielded the cymbals very competently.