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 A divine experience at Bharata Kalakshetra Auditorium- Giridhar Mylavarapue-mail: mvgiridhar@gmail.com August 29, 2025 The Bharata Kalakshetra Auditorium, Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai, came alive with devotion and artistry on the evening of August 24, when renowned Kuchipudi exponent and Guru Dr. Veena Murthy Vijay from Bangalore, along with her disciples of Sri Rajarajeswari Kalaniketan, presented a traditional Kuchipudi repertoire. The event received an overwhelming response, transforming the occasion into a spiritual and cultural celebration.  The evening began with the Poorvarangam, performed by seven dancers, setting a devotional tone that carried through the performance. This was followed by several enthralling presentations, including the Shiva Tarangam. Dr. Veena's choreography showcased both precision and creativity, with her senior disciple J. Manu delivering a remarkable Sandhya tandavam. His vibrant movements, intricate jathis, and effortless execution won wide applause.  The highlight of the evening was the portrayal of Satyabhama by Shama Krishna, a senior disciple of Dr. Veena Murthy and as Madhavi, Veena Murthy herself. Their witty dialogues, graceful abhinaya, and expressive interaction brought humour, wit, and elegance to the stage, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. The performance concluded with the rare and visually striking Simhanandini, where Dr. Veena, in the 18th-century tradition, sketched the majestic form of a lion on stage with her rhythmic footprints in Simhanandana talam. The item drew admiration for its artistic grandeur and technical mastery.  Veena Murthy & Shama Krishna The soul-stirring music and evocative lyrics further deepened the impact. Though presented in Telugu, the emotions transcended linguistic boundaries, enabling the audience to connect seamlessly with the narrative. The overall visual appeal was elevated through exquisite costumes, striking make-up, and the performers' stage presence. The Kalakshetra Foundation organisers expressed heartfelt appreciation, calling it one of the most captivating Kuchipudi presentations in recent times. The evening concluded with thunderous applause, marking the event as a divine experience to be cherished by all.  Giridhar Mylavarapu is a Bharatanatyam dancer and guru based out of Chennai. |
