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 Shreyasi Gopinath: A divine invocation of Viveka in Vanita - Anurag Chauhan e-mail: anuragchauhanoffice@gmail.com March 22, 2025 As part of Swarna Saroja - the Golden Jubilee tribute to the late Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan - Ganesa Natyalaya presented Vanita, an evocative exploration of feminine strength through Bharatanatyam, on March 8, 2025 at its premises, New Delhi. Conceptualised by Dr. Usha RK, Vanita celebrated the eternal virtues of women in Indic traditions, bringing to life their intellect, humility, courage, and wisdom through the artistry of four accomplished dancers. Speaking about the production, Dr. Usha RK remarked, "Vanita is an artistic homage to the eternal virtues upheld by these iconic women in Indian philosophy. Through dance and storytelling, we wish to remind audiences of the powerful feminine qualities that continue to inspire us all."  Shreyasi Gopinath Shreyasi Gopinath's portrayal of Viveka - intellect and spiritual wisdom - was a standout performance, embodying the essence of Goddess Saraswati with striking precision and grace. As she commenced with Shyamala Daṇḍakam, she commanded the stage with an arresting stillness, embodying the goddess of wisdom not just in movement but in presence. Her nritta was characterised by impeccable tala control - each adavu crisp, every jathi rendered with clarity. The strength of her araimandi was commendable, maintaining depth without compromising grace. Her footwork was powerful yet fluid, creating rhythmic patterns that resonated through the auditorium with precision. The interplay between bhramari (spins) and uttplavana (jumps) was seamless, lending dynamism to her presentation. What set Shreyasi apart was her abhinaya. Her eyes held an intensity that commanded attention - each glance, every subtle shift in expression carried the weight of Saraswati's wisdom. As she narrated the story of the Gandharvas and the Soma plant, she transitioned effortlessly between divinity and the mortal world, her expressions reflecting the goddess's serene authority. The moment she portrayed Saraswati's divine music enthralling the celestial beings was particularly compelling - her delicate mudras and gentle head movements capturing the very essence of enchantment. Her depiction of Saraswati's descent as a river of wisdom was equally striking. Through fluid upper body movements and sweeping arm gestures, she evoked the flow of sacred knowledge nourishing civilisation. The controlled grace of her transitions, the subtle variations in her hasta vinyasa (hand movements), and the poise in her karanas (classical dance postures) reflected her deep-rooted understanding of Bharatanatyam's vocabulary. The soulful contribution of the musicians Vidya Harikrishna on vocal, Kalishwaran Pillai on nattuvangam, Abhishek Avadhani on mridangam and Uma Arun on violin together enhanced the performance. A Bharatanatyam performance is only as powerful as the music that breathes life into it, and the ensemble accompanying Vanita played an instrumental role in elevating the evening's experience. Kalishwaran Pillai's nattuvangam provided a strong rhythmic anchor, his command over the sollukattus bringing clarity and precision to Shreyasi's intricate jathis. Vidya Harikrishna's evocative vocals infused soul into the performance, her rendering of Mamavatu Sri Sarasvati carrying a devotional depth that complemented Shreyasi's portrayal of Viveka. The percussive brilliance of Abhishek Avadhani on the mridangam added dynamism, ensuring that each beat resonated in harmony with the dancer's movements, while Uma Arun's violin wove delicate melodic textures, lending an ethereal quality to the performance. Together, this exceptional ensemble created a seamless interplay of rhythm and melody, allowing the narrative to unfold with immersive depth. Their artistry was not just an accompaniment - it was an integral force that amplified the emotion and grandeur of Vanita. Swarna Saroja and the legacy of Ganesa Natyalaya This performance was a fitting tribute to Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan, whose contributions to Bharatanatyam remain unparalleled. As the founder of Ganesa Natyalaya, she nurtured generations of dancers, transforming the institution into a beacon of classical excellence. Swarna Saroja, the golden jubilee celebration, stands as a testament to her enduring legacy, ensuring that her vision continues to inspire and shape the world of Bharatanatyam.  Anurag Chauhan, an award-winning social worker and arts impresario, combines literature and philanthropy to inspire positive change. His impactful storytelling and cultural events enrich lives and communities. |
