|     |
|
| |
 Ghargharika's tribute Nṛtyarpaṇam - An offering through dance - Bijoy Shivram e-mail: bijoyshivram@gmail.com Photos: Mukesh Gandhi April 3, 2025 Ghargharika, a Vadodara-based non-profit organization, founded under the Chairmanship of Prof. CV Chandrasekhar, paid tribute to the legendary dancer, with deep love and reverence. Ghargharika means an ornament of small bells, delicate yet resonant, much like the legacy of a maestro whose presence continues to echo in the world of Bharatanatyam. The evening commemorated Prof. CV Chandrasekhar, a luminary who nurtured generations of dancers with his artistry, wisdom, and grace. His unparalleled contributions to Bharatanatyam and academia, his mentorship and his vision brought classical dance to the forefront. Vadodara, a city that was once Prof. C.V. Chandrasekhar's artistic home, witnessed his unwavering commitment to dance and pedagogy. That evening, in that very spirit, rasikas gathered to honour not just a teacher, choreographer and scholar, but a soul whose rhythm and wisdom continue to inspire. This gathering was a heartfelt ode to Prof. C.V. Chandrasekhar, a maestro whose brilliance, like the gentle chime of Ghargharika, will forever resonate in the hearts of his students and admirers. The stage came alive with performances by three esteemed artistes - Manjari, his daughter and a torchbearer of his artistic vision; Renjith Babu, a devoted disciple from his later years; and Rema Shrikant, a senior disciple passionately carrying forward his legacy in Vadodara. Each artiste embodied not just movement but memories, offering a Triveni Sangam of devotion and artistry. An event of profound reverence and artistic homage, Nṛtyarpaṇam was a tribute to the legendary Late Prof C.V. Chandrasekhar, affectionately known as 'Anna'. The evening commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, invoking divine blessings, accompanied by a resonant chant from Navrachana Vidyalaya students. Eminent artistes, trustees and distinguished Barodians graced the gathering, present to honour the memory of a luminary who left an indelible mark on the classical arts. Tejal Amin, Secretary-Founder Trustee of Ghargharika, eloquently captured the essence of the evening in her welcome address: "Prof Chandrasekhar's legacy is not just in the dances he choreographed but in the lives he shaped. His presence continues to guide us, and tonight is our humble offering in gratitude."  Renjith Babu A poignant documentary on the legendary maestro, scripted and curated by Bijoy Anand Shivram, set the tone for an evening steeped in nostalgia. The film captured the essence of the maestro's journey, leaving the audience immersed in admiration and deep reflection. The evening unfolded with Renjith Babu's mesmerizing interpretation of Ashtamurthi Shiva in ragam Simhendra Madhyama and adi talam. The evocative verse, drawn from Kalidasa's Abhigyanashakuntalam, venerates Lord Shiva's eightfold manifestation - Bhoomi (Earth), Jala (Water), Agni (Fire), Vaayu (Wind), Aakasha (Space), Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon) and Yajamaana (the individual soul). Deeply rooted in Shaivism, this performance was a masterful blend of nritta and abhinaya, capturing the philosophy with striking precision. Renjith's dynamic footwork and expressive storytelling brought the cosmic elements to life, a true testament to his guru's teachings.  Manjari Chandrasekhar Manjari and Renjith then collaborated on a mesmerizing rendition of composer Papanasam Sivan's "Swami nan undan adimai" varnam, set in Natakurinji ragam and adi talam. Originally choreographed at the Faculty of Performing Arts, Baroda, in the late 1980s, the piece carried a rich heritage. Manjari's grace and Renjith's intensity interwove seamlessly, heightened by the presence of Chandrasekhar Sir's own recorded voice. Their masterful command over laya, the nuanced portrayal of emotions and the intricate interplay of nritta and abhinaya created a richly layered visual tapestry. Rema Shrikant's rendition of the 8th Ashtapadi from Jayadeva's Gita Govinda, "Nindati Chandanam" in ragam Yaman and adi talam was a luminous masterclass in abhinaya. She brought to life Radha, the Virahotkanthita Nayika, whose anguish turns all that once soothed - sandalwood, moonlight, and lotus beds - into torment. Rema Shrikant captured love's exquisite beauty and unbearable suffering, making her performance both timeless and deeply immersive. Her mastery over abhinaya shone through, as each glance, gesture and subtle movement conveyed the depth of Radha's yearning. It was not just a performance, but also a deeply personal journey through the legacy of her guru. His voice, his guidance and his teachings echoed in her every step.  Rema Shrikant Manjari followed with the Tamil padam "Netru varen endru" in the haunting Pantuvarali ragam and mishra chapu talam. The composition explored the Nayika's emotional tumult - yearning, regret, and fragile hope. For Manjari, this piece was deeply personal. Manjari recalled, "My decision to do this piece was because it was recorded during Appa's days at Baroda in the classroom at the faculty. I do not dance this padam. I hear my father dancing it, as he is singing." Her nuanced portrayal was steeped in inheritance and feeling. Renjith then presented "Idadu padam tukki adum Natarajanadi panivaiye nenje" in Khamas ragam and adi talam, a masterpiece composed by Papanasam Sivan. Choreographed by Prof Chandrasekhar and entrusted to only three disciples, this keertanam evoked the grandeur of Nataraja's cosmic dance. Renjith's precise movements, fluid karanas and electrifying energy brought to life the resounding vibrato of the Lord's ankle bells, the flickering brilliance of the sun and the rhythmic pulse of the divine dance. The grand finale of the evening was a breathtaking Tillana in the ragam Hamsanadam, set to the dynamic cadence of khanda triputa talam. Dedicated to Goddess Annapurna of Kashi, this piece embodied the sheer joy of movement. The dancers, immersed in rhythm and melody, created an atmosphere of divine celebration, culminating in an exultant homage to the maestro's legacy. Prof. CV Chandrasekhar once said, "I lived in Banaras for 25 years, but it was Banaras that lived in me." As the evening ended, Lily extended a heartfelt vote of thanks. Her eloquent anchoring throughout the evening, insightful introductions and poised delivery added warmth and depth to the proceedings, making the tribute even more meaningful. Nṛtyarpaṇam was more than a performance; it was an offering - a confluence of devotion, discipline, and the enduring spirit of a master who continues to inspire generations. The evening left the audience enriched, reflective and deeply moved, proving yet again that great artistes never truly leave; they live on through their art and their disciples. Heartfelt gratitude to Ghargharika and its trustees - Tejal Amin, Secretary-Founder Trustee; other Trustees - Paresh Saraiya, Ami Patel, Madhavi Kadakia, P Rajagopalan and Jaya Chandrasekhar for curating and orchestrating such a solemn and evocative evening. Others like Sandhya Gajjar, Shefali Nayak and Dr Nilesh Parekh for all the meticulous management, allowing this tribute to unfold with the reverence and grace it deserved.  Son of journalists K Shivram and Amni Shivram, the first Malayali woman English journalist, Bijoy Shivram is an accomplished Indian classical dancer trained in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. A passionate promoter of the arts and a skilled graphic designer, he currently serves as the Vice Principal of JG College of Performing Arts and the Assistant Director (Operations) overseeing 17 JG colleges. He is also the founder of Preksha, an organization dedicated to the promotion of art and culture in Ahmedabad. Since 2020, Bijoy has curated the YouTube series 'Gurudakshina - An Ode to our Gurus,' celebrating the legacy of mentorship and tradition. |
