Elevating performances

- Vijay Shanker
e-mail: vijaydance@gmail.com

May 6, 2026

DR. SANJAY SHANTARAM'S ELEVATING PERFORMANCE

Photos: Madhukar

Shivapriya School of Dance (Bengaluru) presented an elevating Bharatanatyam performance by Dr Sanjay Shantaram on the occasion of his birthday on 7th March at Seva Sadan auditorium, Bengaluru. The holistic performance "Kavi Kavya Namana" was a tribute to the great scholars whose soulful compositions have enriched and elevated the field of Indian classical dance.

Dr Sanjay Shantaram is a leading Bharatanatyam exponent, mentor and actor with several performances both in India and overseas. Several dance aspirants are learning Bharatanatyam at Shivapriya School, including many male students, which is quite encouraging and they also play lead roles in most of the dance drama productions.

Dr. Sanjay Shantaram

The immaculate performance commenced with Ganesha Stuti, "Namma Sharade Uma Maheswari," a composition of Kanakadasa in Hamsadhwani raga and adi tala. It interpreted the episode and the sanchari in which the young Ganesha's head is cut off by Lord Shiva and later replaced by the head of the elephant as requested by Parvathi, while strengthening the family relations between Shiva, Parvati and Gajamukha. A fine start to the performance that proved the prowess of the dancer in expressional dancing with complete devotion to the dance form. The second number was a composition of Muthuswamy Dikshitar in praise of the goddess, "Kanjadalayatakshi Kamakshi" described as "tripura sundari", also known for her gracious walk "gaja gamini". Sanjay is undoubtedly a versatile artiste, who has the calibre to adapt to any mood or 'angika abhinaya' as per the requirement of the performance.

The piece de resistance of the evening was the composition of Papanasan Sivan varnam "Taamadam Seyyaadu Vandarul" that dramatized the Markandeya episode, whose devotion to Lord Shiva pays off as he is saved from the clutches of Lord Yama. The hunter whose devotion to Lord Shiva is tested when he sees the eyes of the Lord is bleeding and he decides to donate his eyes to the Lord and ultimately the Lord blesses him and he regains his sight. This number was enacted with heartfelt abhinaya that could resonate with the audience, winning him thunderous applause.

Dr. Sanjay Shantaram

The post interval session consisted of the Purandaradasa Devarnama in praise of Lord Rama and another number in praise of Lord Vitthala that demonstrates the ardent devotion of child Prahlada and the appearance of the Narasimha avatara. The programme concluded with the popular Swati Thirunal Thillana in Dhanasri ragam in praise of Lord Padmanabha. Sanjay received fine orchestral support with the commendable team of musicians led by Deepthi Srinath for vocal, Dhanush Natampalli for mridangam, Gopal Venkataramana for veena, Nitish Ammanaya for flute and Lakshminarayan G for rhythm pads.

Vindhya was the wonderful compere of the evening. Sanjay received a standing ovation for his elevating performance.

EMPOWERMENT OF WOMANHOOD

Photos: Shreshta Sudish

Arka Kala Kuteera (Bengaluru) presented Arka Kalasambrama15 to mark International Women's Day on March 8 at Arka Theatre, JP Nagar, Bengaluru. It was amazing to watch the varied facets of women with divine manifestations, performed by three groups of accomplished Bharatanatyam dancers, Reshma Shreenath and Shruthi P Ravikumar, Bhavana Kanthy and her disciples and Rupesh's Arangam ensemble. It was gratifying to watch the dancers perform with complete involvement and devotion, creating a lasting impression on the compact audience that largely consisted of children and women.

Reshma Sreenath and Shruthi P Ravikumar

The programme commenced with Krishna Pravaha - Flow of Krishna, performed by Reshma Sreenath and Shruthi P Ravikumar of Bhanumathi's Nrityakalamandiram. Exploring the varied facets and manifestations of Lord Krishna as the Yadava hero of benevolence and spiritual grandeur, "Bhuvana Sundarana," nayika yearning for Lord Krishna and ultimately the twin concept of Hari and Hara in "Tarali Ranne" interpreting Purandara Vitthala, formed the highlight of the presentation. As the Yadava hero, the Gopis are smitten by his beauty and his magnificent presence. In the Maharaas, Krishna is seen dancing with all of them; each Gopi feels Krishna is her partner and they rejoice with happiness. In "Bhuvana Sundarana," Radha is unable to bear the pangs of separation and waits anxiously to meet Krishna. As Vitthala, the Lord is perceived as both Hari and Hara. The performance pertains to Madhura bhakti with philosophical overtones and the entire presentation was noteworthy for being a spiritually evocative narrative, enacted well by Reshma and Shruthi.

Bhavana Kanthy and ensemble

The Samanwaya Dance Academy ensemble presented 'Stree - The Omnipotent Benevolence' led by Bhavana Kanthy. Blessed by the energies of the Trinity and the Devas, the Goddess is prepared to face any evil force or demon. She emerges victorious as the destroyer of Mahisha, hence is known as Mahishasura Mardini and the goddess is also known for her omnipotent benevolence and universal motherhood. Bhavana as the goddess was quite dramatic and brilliant too, creating an indelible impression due to her powerful command over abhinaya.

Rupesh's Arangam ensemble

Dancers from Arangam - Rupesh's Institute of Arts commenced their sparkling Bharatanatyam performance with Goddess Saraswati, who is the consort of Lord Brahma and the goddess for learning and knowledge, performed by Manmatha Pai and Vijetha R Nair, music by Ananya. The Kannada Javali, "Nodida Kshanave" portrays the ardent love of the Gopikas and the excitement they experience when they get a glimpse of Lord Krishna, performed by Greeshma P Manohar, Meghna Manoj and Shriya Shibu. The highlight of the evening was the Janaki Koutvam in praise of Sita. The birth of Sita, Rama and Sita meeting for the first time and the Sita Swayamvaram formed the highlight of this number. The dynamic dancers concluded their performance with Shadaksharam in praise of Lord Murugan. It was satisfying to watch the dancers performing with fine synchronisation and vivacious quality.

Arka Kala Kuteera is a vibrant centre dedicated to the promotion and nurturing of Indian performing arts. Founded in 2017 as Nritya Priya Dance Academy, later renamed Arka Kala Kuteera in 2022, the institution is committed to preserving the beauty and discipline of classical art forms, especially Bharatanatyam. Under the vision and guidance of its founder and artistic director, Guru Bhanupriya Rakesh, Arka Kala Kuteera has become a platform for aspiring dancers to learn, perform and grow in the field of classical dance. Teenaged disciples of Guru Bhanupriya - Parmitha and Dhyuti Bhasker - were the fine comperes of the evening.

Vijay Shankar is a Kuchipudi and Kathakali exponent, teacher, bilingual journalist, arts critic and actor.