REVIEW / REPORT

Kedar Gurav's Bharatanatyam Margam at Kolhapur: A celebration of tradition

- Sanyogeeta Patil
e-mail: sanyogeeta.patil87@gmail.com

May 26, 2026

Coming from a traditional priestly family in Kolhapur, initially trained in Kalakshetra, Kedar Gurav, disciple of Acharya Indira Kadambi, presented a full-fledged Margam in his hometown, Kolhapur on March 27, 2026. The entire performance reflected sincerity, discipline, and a deep commitment to the traditional Margam format, which is so essential in today's times.

Beginning with a soulful invocation and progressing through Alarippu, Jathiswaram, Varnam, Padam, and Tillana, every composition was presented exquisitely. The nritta, abhinaya, and overall choreography were thoughtfully executed with grace and maturity.

It was heartening to see Kedar present a Jathiswaram in raga Abhogi composed by Guru Narmada, who was the teacher of Indira Kadambi. The Varnam in raga Kalyani, "Sarasijakshudu" by the Tanjore Quartet, was especially moving. The Nayika here addresses Rajagopalaswamy: "O Sarasijaksha, I have come to unite with you at this time. O Dakshinadwarakavasa, accept me". The highlight of the Varnam was the sanchari, woven beautifully around the enchanting Lord Rajagopala of Mannargudi. Kedar took on the role of the Nayika with remarkable ease. The jathis were short, strong, and crisp, while the abhinaya was performed with great depth and maturity. One aspect that stood out deeply was Guru Indira Kadambi's choreography, which reflected profound study, aesthetic clarity, and meticulous attention to detail.

Kedar Gurav

The Varnam was followed by a humorous Telugu Padam in raga Mukhari composed by Muddu Natesha - "Kashiki Poyyene" - which was truly a treat to watch. Here, the Nayaka says, "You have shattered all my dreams of uniting with you. I am going to Kashi because of you!" Even the Marathi-speaking audience could easily understand every nuance, expressed with great conviction.

Next came a lilting Tillana in raga Kadanakuthuhala, a composition of Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna. This was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the evening, featuring a graceful and seamless incorporation of Karanas, performed brilliantly by Kedar.

This was followed by a popular Marathi composition on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that added powerful energy and emotion to the recital. One could hear the entire audience joining in the chorus and clapping as the musicians sang "Indra Jhimi Jambh Para," a poem dedicated by Kavi Bhushan to the founder of the Maratha Empire, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The poem compares Shivaji, the lion-hearted emperor, to powerful figures from Hindu mythology who overcame forces of evil - like Indra defeating Jambhasura, Rama overcoming Ravana's ego, and Krishna destroying the evil Kamsa. Brilliantly visualized by Indira Kadambi, this was ably performed with great vigor by Kedar.

This traditional Margam presentation was not only unforgettable but also highly educational and inspiring. The entire team of artistes who travelled from Bangalore enriched the performance - NS Abhishek on vocal, Indira Kadambi on nattuvangam, Vidya Shankar on mridangam, Prashant on veena, and Nithish Ammannaya on flute. Overall, it was a deeply meaningful and memorable performance in Kolhapur.

Sanyogeeta Patil is a Bharatanatyam educator, Kolhapur.