Natya Sarita at SaRa space

- Sudha Sridhar
e-mail: sudhasridhar@hotmail.com

March 20, 2026

On March 1, 2026, Sankarshana Academy, Bengaluru, presented an edition of 'Natya Sarita' at SaRa Space, featuring Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam performances.

Before going to the performances of the evening, one is very much tempted to first write about the new space - SaRa - an awesome facility made available, much to the delight of the theatre art and dance fraternity of Bengaluru. It is a very impressive studio with state-of-the-art facilities for theatre art and dance performances and presentations. It can comfortably host around 80 connoisseurs and patrons of art at a time, providing a unique opportunity to see the performances from a close quarter. The studio's sophisticated technology related facilities - sound and light - coupled with the close proximity enhanced the overall visual experience of the audience. The scintillating performances of the evening were well matched to the grandeur of the space.

Dr. Vidya Shimladka

Starting the proceedings was 'Pṛthā - Adṛśya Jvālā,' a solo dance theatre production in Bharatanatyam by Dr. Vidya Shimladka. As succinctly put forth by Vidya, the production explored the untold emotions and spiritual strength of one of the most important characters in Mahabharatha - Mother Kunti. Her part in the unfolding and shaping of the epic, under the very observant vision of the Yuga Purush, Lord Krishna was very beautifully brought out by the solo performer. That she could pull it off nonchalantly was because of the ably supported production aspects starting with her own inspiring concept, given shape by Dr. Srivatsa with his lyrics, decisive music by Harshita, sharp nattuvangam by Sharath TS, able accompaniments by Ritvik Simha on mridanga and rhythm pad, Pandit Srinivas on sitar and Rakesh D on flute with soul stirring background narration and choreography by Dr. Vidya. The sincere and authentic effort left the audience spellbound and appreciate both the character portrayed and the performer alike.

Dr. Chetan Gangatkar and Chandraprabha Chetan

The second part of the evening saw a Kuchipudi performance by the dancing duo Dr. Chetan Gangatkar and Chandraprabha Chetan along with their students. Their students started with a brisk presentation, 'Ananda Narthana Ganapathim', a composition by Oothukadu Venkatasubbaiyar and a very brief excerpt from Bhama Kalapam, Satyabhama's Pravesha Daruvu in Kannada, to showcase the stellar contribution to Kuchipudi classical art form by its seer Siddhendra Yogi, much to the delight of the Kannada audience. It is to be noted and observed that the Kannada version of Bhama Kalapam was produced by the dancing duo's Guru, Dr. Veena Murthy Vijay and written by Shatavadhani Ganesh.

This was followed by the more famous Bharatanatyam duo who are also exponents of Kuchipudi classical dance form, the Chetans with 'Ardhanarishvara'. Generally, both the characters of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi will be performed by the same artiste with duo make up. But the Chetans did Ardhanarishvara as a duo and gave a performance which will be remembered for the coordinated, effortless presentation. They gave life to the performance with their graceful depiction symbolizing the eternal balance of the purusha and prakriti aspects of the universe. The finale presentation of the evening was a tarangam "Jaye jaye Durga" composed in praise of Goddess Durga, by their students.

After getting soaked in the grace of the Lord of dance, Nataraja during the captivating evening performance in a dedicated new space, one keenly looked forward to know, wish, thank and acknowledge the service to the art world by providing a new stage and platform for our art and dance fraternity. There was no need to look for long, it was the one and only Dr. Sumana, who was seen in brisk, energetic and enthusiastic mode the entire evening essaying her role as a host of both the performances and the venue ably assisted by both of her sons and her students.

Dr, Sumana is a multifaceted artiste - Bharatanatyam and Kathak - choreographer, Guru, curator, academician, responsible member of several educational institutions among others and a philanthropist when it comes to art and culture. Hailing from a family with a rich cultural and art background - Ranjalkar Shenoy - of Karnataka, Dr. Sumana needs no introduction, for she is a well-known art personality of Karnataka. However, one needs to place on record the wonderful altruistic work she is continuing to do from the bottom of her heart reflected in her calm and poised demeanour, with a firm outlook to contribute her mite for the theatre art and dance fraternity.

Sudha Sridhar, a double graduate in Law & Dance is a cultural activist working on advocacy efforts to preserve, promote and propagate art forms and for the cultural rights and welfare measures for artistes. Her main focus is on Kuchipudi heritage village and promotion of all the three streams of South Indian Yakshagana - Karnataka Yakshagana, Kuchipudi Yakshaganam and Melattur Bhagavathamela.