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 A unique Mohiniattam soiree - Archita Mehta e-mail: architaum@gmail.com Photos: Raj Kallath November 5, 2024 In an intimate, informal studio setting in Brisbane, Australia, an enthralling Mohiniattam performance was presented by Bindu Rajendren and her disciple, Vidya Rajeev. The programme commenced with a Ganesha Stuti, composed in Malahari ragam and Aiyadi talam and was beautifully performed by Vidya Rajeev. In this invocation, Lord Ganesha is interestingly referred to as 'Malamathinu Tanayanan' i.e. the son of the daughter of the mountain. The lyrical chollus 'Dhanu Thanam Thari' reverberated in the hall as Bindu began dancing to Poli, set in Paadi ragam and adi talam. Poli is an ancient, desi term conveying abundance. Eulogising the mother goddess, here she is invoked as Kali, the goddess of time, Neeli, the one with the dark tresses, Rudra the protector and Karumari the healer. Interspersed with lilting chollus and embodied abhinaya, Bindu became the ardent devotee beseeching the Mother Goddess to bless Triloka - the three worlds. All four forms of the mother goddess were very gracefully performed with Kali being the most effective.  To the soulful rendering of 'Tha dhintha thakita dhi thi tai', Bindu entered with rosewater and sandalwood paste for Chandanam set in Saurashtra ragam and Aiyadi talam. Depicting the glorious qualities of Chandanam, the dancer described how it is adorned by none other than Lord Vishnu! It cools down those lovelorn and struck by the arrows of Manmatha. The story of Samudramanthan was elaborately portrayed by Bindu and it was amazing to see how she seamlessly transformed from one character to another. Churning of the milky ocean by the Devas and Asuras, Vasuki vomiting the Kaalakootam, Lord Shiva drinking it, Parvathi beseeching for help; each incident was felt and comprehended by the audience. 'Dhi thom thaaro, dhi thi tai thaaro...' - there came the dancer as the playful Vishnu Maya Kurathi in all her glory from the Kailasam mountains. This composition was in Ragamalika and Talamalika. Kurathi, true to the nature of a storyteller, narrated the story of Lord Shiva and Mohini, the enchantress. Bindu excelled in expressing the minute nuances of the magical Kurathi. The peak was when the Kurathi describes Lord Ayyappa and the chants of "Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa" resonated in the hall. The dancer herself had tears in her eyes out of sheer devotion. Soon after, yet again, Bindu transformed into Kurathi, promising to return with more stories.  How a mundane Mookuthi (nose-pin) leads to Mukthi! (Enlightenment). This composition was set in Arabhi ragam and adi talam. This choreography of Mookuthi was the highest point of the evening's recital. Bindu played the beautiful nayika who is immensely proud and possessive of her 'Vairam Mookuthi' i.e. diamond nose-pin. But one day, to her utter misfortune, she loses it. She looks for it high and low but in vain. The humble nose-pin is known to channelize energy, throughout the body, enhance spiritual and harmonious connect with the Paramatma (the ultimate divine). In her concentrated search for her mookuthi, the young woman awakens her Kundalini and realises that the real diamond is the revelation of the ultimate truth and her connection to the Parabrahmam (the supreme soul). Towards the end of this presentation, it seemed like Bindu was in a trance herself. Ganesha Stuti was choreographed by Guru Dr. Kalamandalam Sugandhi Prabhu. Poli, Chandanam, Kurathi and Mookuthi were the gems of the evening, each very painstakingly and sensitively researched, revived and choreographed by Bindu's Guru Nirmala Paniker. Guru Nirmala Paniker is a critically acclaimed choreographer, educator and practioner for Mohiniattam. She coined the term 'desi' in Mohiniattam to represent the regional techniques that have the unique flavour to express the indigenous culture and traditions. Her name is synonymous with 'Desi Mohiniattam'. For her unparalleled contribution, Guru Nirmala Paniker is the recipient of many awards and recognitions. As Bindu explained each choreography, all of us could see the immense love, respect and gratitude she holds for her Guru. Her faith in her Guru is unshakable and as a result she performed each of her Guru's choreographed creations with utmost dedication. It was an evening replete with 'Drishya Kavyam' (visual poetry) and we as the rasikas were blessed to witness it.  Archita Mehta is a Bharatanatyam artiste, instructor, and choreographer. An alumnus of Rukmini Devi's Kalakshetra, Chennai, she has had the fortune of being with the legend when she was alive. Having recently moved to Brisbane, Australia, Archita continues her pursuit and love for dance. She teaches Bharatanatyam through her institution Nrityasadhana in Brisbane. |
