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 Raas Antara - Seeking happiness within - Vijay Shanker e-mail: vijaydance@gmail.com October 8, 2023 As part of the Janmashtami celebrations, Bhakti Kala Kshetra presented 'Raas Antara' in Bharatanatyam style by accomplished dancer Sujatha Ramanathan at ISKCON auditorium on 10th September. The performance was broadly divided into two segments, the first portrayal being the Lord of the Universe as the protector of mankind, instructing the significance of both karma and dharma and the second performance pertaining to the immortal love of Radha and Krishna and the eternal happiness that dwells in every being, hence 'Raas Antara.'  Commencing the performance with an extract from the Bhagavad Gita covering Arjuna Vishada Yoga leading to Krishna's Vishwaroopa Darshanam, based on the teachings by Pavithra Srinivasan (Chennai), Sujatha made a fine start to her performance that distinguished the disturbed and reluctant Arjuna the moment he sees his family members in the battle at Kurukshetra and the complete changeover of his mind and spirit after he experiences the exalted appearance of the lord as the Lord of Universe. Hence his realisation of both karma and dharma and his moral duties in fighting against adharma was dramatized with brilliant command over abhinaya by the dynamic dancer. The major choreographic venture of the evening with its maiden performance for such a befitting occasion and ambience was Raas Antara, which has been specially written for this concert by Himanshu Srivastava, commendable musical rendering by Sudha Raghuraman, percussion by Satish Krishnamoorthy, light design and direction by Sushant Jadhav, conceptualised and choreographed by Sujatha in ragamalika and set in tisra talam. Raas Antara (Braj Basha), "Ankh pankh Shri anankh, Dekhi dekhi nachat hai, Murli kahu bajat hai" (the peacock feather dances merrily to the melodious music of the flute), "Radhika chhavi dekh dekh madhu madhu muskaavat hai, dhek sakhi nij antara, Murli wahi baajat, Shyam wahi raajat hai" (Radhika is thrilled and smiles brightly as her friend tells her that Krishna dwells in her heart, creating eternal bliss). What was most amazing about this presentation, was the harmony that was created with intricate movements, danced precisely, forming a fine synthesis between exterior beauty and happiness, relating to the happiness which is within. Hence the philosophy on a broader perspective is to seek happiness which dwells within every human being but we do not realise that easily as we seek happiness outside in materialistic pursuits and exterior world. While the basic technique was Bharatanatyam, Sujatha makes use of other flamboyant styles like Chhau and Kalaripayattu to enhance structural appeal and aesthetic quality. Sujatha concluded her performance with a thillana in raga Ahir Bhairavi, a composition by Balamuralikrishna choreographed by her mentor Ramya Ramnarayan. Sujatha was initially trained by Guru Adyar K Lakshman in the Kalakshetra bani and has later sought guidance from Guru Lata Raman, Ramya Ramnarayan and Dr Sujatha Mohan for Karanas. Sujatha recently performed 'Simha' for Bhagavata Mela in Melattur and has also performed for other prestigious festivals. She deserves to be seen more often.  Vijay Shankar is a Kuchipudi and Kathakali exponent, teacher, bilingual journalist, arts critic and actor. |
