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 Nayikas of Tulsidas - Echoes of dignity and grace- Vijay Shankere-mail: vijaydance@gmail.com August 25, 2025 NAYIKAS OF TULSIDAS Aayam Institute of Performing Arts (New Delhi) headed by Guru Sindhu Mishra, presented 'Nayikas of Tulsidas - Echoes of Dignity and Grace,' based on Tulsidas's Shree Ramcharitra Manas, featuring the protagonists Sita and Parvati, in a Bharatanatyam recital at the Little Theatre Group auditorium, Mandi House, New Delhi on 31st July. The predominance of Hindustani music, clarity of movements and command over expressional dancing, formed the highlight of the performance. The program commenced with a beautiful Hamsadwani Natesa Kautvam, incorporating the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva, executed with sculptural poses, capturing divinity witnessed by Brahma, Vishnu and the sages of Tadavana, performed exquisitely by the duo dancers of the evening, Arshia Mathur and Krithika Kumar, with commendable musical rendering by Elangovan Govindarajan.  Arshia Mathur and Krithika Kumar Bageshri varnam with the commanding vocal rendering by Nitin Sharma portrayed the magical encounter of Sita with Rama in the Mithila garden, taking the audience to a journey of the intense life of Sita, involved with awe, anxiety and the finale of the divine surrendering at the feet of Devi Bhawani. Arshia Mathur performed well with the required degree of expressions and varied movements. The varnam performed by Krithika Kumar interpreted the austere penance and fierce resolve of Parvati to win over Lord Shiva. Krithika performed with intensity and striking clarity of movements. Parvati's unwavering faith and loyalty ultimately unites her with her Lord. Nitin Sharma's singing the Sanskrit shlokas and verses from the text, with complete involvement and intensity, formed a fine combination of spiritual upliftment and musical quality. The esteemed team of musicians included Guru Sindhu Mishra on nattuvangam, Carnatic vocal by Elangovan Govindarajan, Hindustani vocal by Nitin Sharma, G Raghuraman on flute, Sachin Sharma on tabla and Vignesh on mridangam. NAVADURGA Rainbow theatres presented Aayam Institute of Performing Arts's latest dance drama 'Navadurga' portraying the nine distinct manifestations of the goddess, in the Bharatanatyam style, performed by seven talented disciples of Guru Sindhu Mishra at the Alliance Francaise auditorium, Lodhi Road, New Delhi on Sunday 3rd August. Prior to the dance performance, a talk show was organised to discuss the impact of dance in Indian cinema, featuring Sindhu Mishra, Kathak dancer and film producer Richa Gupta and moderated by Tapasya. Over the ages, Indian folk and classical dances have been an integral part of Indian cinema, besides the typical filmy dances. Richa said that earlier, actresses like Vyjayanthimala, Waheeda Rehman, and Asha Parekh were trained classical dancers, hence had a charm and grace of their own which was visible in whatever dance they performed. But today there is hardly any actress, besides Madhuri Dixit, who is able to sustain and maintain the feminine charm and grace, which is considered the speciality of female dancers. While the south films were influenced by Bharatanatyam, on the other hand the north films were influenced by Kathak and the regional flavours made a difference too. Sindhu Mishra ascertained the point that it was necessary for female actors to perform with elegance, while maintaining the feminine charm and not dance like male actors. Navadurga with a short duration of 30 minutes was performed after the interesting discussion.  Navadurga Based on Adi Shankaracharya's spiritual and philosophical interpretation, nine manifestations of the universal goddess were depicted by the dancers with striking movements and powerful expressions, portraying the virile and the benevolent aspects of the goddess. The fierce Shailaputri, radiant Katyayani, serene Mahagauri and the compassionate Siddhidatri were among the characteristic portrayals of the multi-facets of the magnificent goddess. The seven dancers who performed with uniformity in their maroon and pink coloured costumes with the same vivacious quality, created a lasting impression on the audience. The dancers were Ashi Vats, Vibhooti Bhardwaj, Shatakshi Gupta, Tanusha Tyagi, Arshia Mathur, Krithika Kumar and Swati Mittal. Conceptualised and choreographed by Guru Sindhu Mishra, the original Hindustani musical score was composed by Nitin Sharma, bridging Hindustani aesthetics with the soul of Sanskrit verse. On the whole, it was a fine evening of intellectual dialogue and spiritual elevation.  Vijay Shankar is a Kuchipudi and Kathakali exponent, teacher, bilingual journalist, arts critic and actor. |
