Report - Manamohana: A visual treat

Manamohana: A visual treat
- Satish Suri
e-mail: satishism@yahoo.co.in
Photo: K.S.Krishnamurthy

December 18, 2018

Sparkling eyes, a petite frame and loads of confidence characterised the margam presentation of Shreema Upadhyaya on Dec 6, 2018 at Sevasadan, Bangalore. Tutored and mentored by her Guru P. Praveen Kumar she left no one in doubt about her competence. She began with a traditional alarippu which concluded with verses from the Bhagavatham in praise of Krishna.The emphatic sollus from her guru resounded in some delicate expressions, body movements and well-executed hand gestures by the artist making it an interesting number.

The varnam "Sarasijakshidu" in Kalyani and roopaka tala,wherein the nayika addresses the Lord Rajagopala, "I am filled with passion, O lotus-eyed one, do not delay any more.However captivating and knowledgeable you are do not neglect me. The flower arrows of Marudu torment me. Come and embrace me." The varnam set on leisurely pace was studded with an interesting mosaic of movements, nritta formations, arresting lines, and noteworthy use of the eyes, the sringara expressive, dignified and delightful, developing the abhinaya with the progression of the varnam, with well-executed teermanams matching the musical frame. Radiating confidence, athleticism and speed while maintaining grace was the hallmark of her rendition.

Shreema followed with a Kanakadasa composition "Baro Krishnayya" where the devotee asks little Krishna to visit his home. 'The small jingles that adorn your feet and your flute make beautiful music.' Capturing the various emotions, the artist's dexterity provided for an absorbing number. The thillana, a composition of Balamuralikrishna in Brindavani was an appropriate finale delineated with joy and which perceptibly exhibited her stagecraft and credentials that qualified a commitment and attestation of her training under her Guru Praveen Kumar.

A lively musical score with Praveen Kumar (nattuvangam), Debur Srivatsa (vocals), Mandya Nagaraj (violin), Lingaraju (mridangam) and Mahesh Swamy (flute), added value and embellished the presentation.

Bangalore based Satish Suri is an avid dance rasika besides being a life member of the Music and Arts Society.