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 Maki Fukuda: A classical treat crossing cultural borders - Satish Suri e-mail;satishism@yahoo.co.in Photo:Aparajitha Vaasudev July 12, 2023 Maki Fukuda's Bharatanatyam performance in the studio space of her guru Chitra Dasarathy Chandrasekhar's studio was a testament to the passion and dedication to the art form which she has cultivated over three decades. The performance began with the bhajan "Sri Ramachandra Kripalu Bhajamana", a devotional song that extols the virtues of Lord Rama in all their entirety. As Maki embarked on her exploration of Rama's life, her impeccable footwork, sensitive facial expressions and synchronised body movements brought the essence of the lyrics, weaving a tapestry of devotion that captivated the onlookers. Adding to the enchantment was the mellifluous singing of D.S.Srivatsa and the musical composition of Prof. C.V. Chandrasekhar, though played from a recorded track, enhanced the presentation adding depth and richness.  She followed with a varnam "Nee indha maayam", a composition of Papanasam Sivan in Dhanyasi. The varnam expresses the relationship between the lovelorn Nayika and Lord Krishna, who is seemingly indifferent to her love and torment by the pranks he plays. The Nayika questions him, expressing her pain. An alluring performance by the artiste elaborating on each line of the varnam with grace and artistry that flowed in spontaneity, creating a landscape of varied emotions. Her movement profile and body language showcased both the interpretative and rhythmic portions that showed her command over nritta and her feelings for abhinaya. She finally addresses her Lord "Ayur kula deepame" (You are the light of 1000 cowherds) as she yearns for Krishna's love and companionship. The padam "Netru varen endru" composed by Subbarama Iyer in Pantuvarali, beautifully captures the disappointment of a young woman who confides in her young friend about her lover's unfulfilled promises. She expresses her longing for his return, recounting how he had sweetly assured her that he would come back the day before, yet there is no sign of him so far. The young woman reflects on her regrets, acknowledging that she did not take the necessary actions when the opportunity presented itself. The composition also brings to life the memories of the time spent together by the riverbank, where she admired his radiant form and became completely absorbed in his presence. These memories now fill her mind and add to the anguish of separation. Maki transformed the poetic splendour of the padam with expressive abhinaya to convey the emotions of disappointment, longing and regret. The dancer evoked the sense of separation and the poignant memories that now dominate the landscape of the young woman's mind. Vocal support from Vasudha Sastry complemented the dancer's expressions, bringing out the depth of emotion. The finale was a thillana in raga Hamir Kalyani, composed by Prof C.V. Chandrasekhar, especially for the auspicious occasion of his daughter Chitra Dasarathy's arangetram. The performance of the thillana brought back nostalgic memories for Chitra Dasarathy. The performance by Maki was a delightful blend of tradition and innovation while staying true to the essence of the choreography. The audience was entranced by the intricate footwork, facial expressions, and seamless movements, which were elevated by the melodious composition and soul-stirring voice of Prof. C.V. Chandrasekhar that resonated through the space. Maki Fukuda's performance was a true manifestation of her commitment to Bharatanatyam, showcasing her deep understanding of the art form and her ability to immerse herself in its essence. Her performance left a lasting impression on the discerning audience comprising of dancers, who were moved by her dedication and artistry.  Bangalore based Satish Suri is an avid dance rasika besides being a life member of the Music and Arts Society. |
