Nritya Lahiri by Sujatha Srinivasan
- Suvarna Pappu

October 16, 2010

Sujatha Srinivasan and her disciples presented Nritya Lahari, a tribute to Annamacharya’s compositions in Vazhuvoor style of Bharatanatyam. A perfect blend of abhinaya and nritta marked the dance recital.

The performance began with the traditional Anjali presented by Sujatha in Ragam Natai and Adi Thalam. This was followed by Parama Purusha in Shanmukhapriya and Rupaka Thalam. The song began with a sloka from Vishnu Sahasranamam and went on to describe Lord Vishnu. Next in the sequence was Dolayam in Kamas and Chathusra- Eka Thalam. This was presented by Shriya Srinivasan and Mahima Venkatesh wherein the girls entered as if carrying Lord Vishnu in a palanquin and continued to describe the Narasimha and Vamana avataras. An interesting choreography by Sujatha and the dancers portrayed the episodes well.
The prime item of the performance was a Javali /Padam combination presented by Sujatha for Yellaradamma / Polati Javvanammuna, wherein she described the Virahotkanditha Nayika who is none other than Alamelumanga waiting for Lord Venkateshwara. Sujatha’s excellence in abhinaya showcased her mastery of the Vazhuvoor style. Her maturity as a dancer and the ease with which she brought out the feeling and the dual role of the sakhi trying to pacify Alamelumanga was portrayed with grace and versatility.

In Alarulu Kuriyaga presented by Shriya Srinivasan and Mahima Venkatesh, Shriya was graceful and expressive in her portrayal of Alamelumanga, while Mahima depicted Lord Venkateshwara. The program then went on to Sujatha presenting Mangambudi Hanumantha, Thillana (by TK Govinda Rao) and Marali Marali Jaya Mangalam which concluded the performance.