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 Bala Devi Chandrashekar mesmerizes audience at India House - Meher Kriti Nigam e-mail: enquiries.meherkathak@gmail.com August 18, 2024 As a Kathak dancer of Jaipur Gharana based in Paris, I was happy to witness Indian classical dance at the India House during the Paris 2024 Olympics. With her unique perspective, Bharatanatyam exponent and research scholar Bala Devi Chandrashekar carved a special place for classical Indian dance. Her traditional Bharatanatyam performance at the landmark initiative of the Reliance Foundation was a mesmerizing display of classical Indian dance. It captivated a diverse audience, offering them a unique glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of India. As she moved gracefully to the rhythms of traditional music, the atmosphere was charged with this ancient art form's profound beauty and emotion. She engulfed the stage with an astute presentation, specifically referencing Bharatanatyam and allied subjects like temple sculptures - 108 karanas, music, literature, and theatrics.  She opened her concert with the theme 'MAA- the Eternal Truth,' taking the audience on a journey celebrating the loving nature of Mother and Mother Earth. Bala Devi's performance delved into the awe-inspiring power of the Maheswara Sutrani, the sacred sounds of the damaru that create, maintain, regulate, and ultimately dissolve the Universe. She portrayed the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva, invoking Mother Earth and reminding us of the cyclical nature of existence through time and space. The concept of Ardhanareeswara symbolizes male and female principles, Sthiti and Gati - Stillness and Movement. The male half, Purusha, and the female half, Prakriti, were brought out through specific Karanas. It conveyed the powerful concept of Shiva Shakti Swaroopa through Pathanjali's hymn, lending itself to prosperity (Mahalakshmi) and fertility (Bhuma Devi); the dance unfolded with verses of sage Pathanjali, visualizing the magnificent sight of the cosmic dance. The performance concluded with a profound message of Vasudhaiva kutumbakam - one earth and one family - highlighting the interconnectedness of nature and humanity and underscoring our roles as integral parts of creation's grand design. Her performance, developed in collaboration with distinguished scholars, was deeply rooted in extensive research. It offered a rich narrative that showcased the beauty of Bharatanatyam while drawing connections to historical and scriptural significance. By capturing the essence and contemporary relevance of this classical art form, she created an engaging and unforgettable experience for the audience.  During her talk after the performance, she shared about her ten critically acclaimed productions, which are available digitally. Viewers can witness the captivating dance performance from the comfort of their homes, transcending geographical boundaries and introducing people worldwide to the beauty of her solo thematic productions, the temple's architectural marvel, and cultural significance. All ancient texts from our region have messages that are very relevant in today's world. "My mission is to take on topics and present them to diverse audiences worldwide," she added. Her performance, rich in thematic depth and artistic excellence, was a testament to India's millennia old cultural philosophy. It earned widespread acclaim from the diverse audience that filled the India House at the Paris Olympics 2024. Kathak dancer Meher Kriti Nigam is a disciple of Guru Leena Malakar Vij and Guru Pandit Divyang Vakil. |
