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REVIEW / REPORTSaanjh ke Rang- Vijay Shankere-mail: vijaydance@gmail.com Photos: Preyas Keluskar July 22, 2026 One of the premier cultural organisations of South Mumbai, Udayan, established by Amita Banerjee, has been regularly organising shows to encourage and promote arts and artistes for decades. Their latest presentation was “Saanjh Ke Rang” (Hues of the twilight) in the Odissi dance style presented by accomplished dancer and mentor, Guru Nivedita Mukherjee and the dancers of Aratrika Dance Academy (Thane), at the Nehru Centre Hall of Harmony on 30th May. It was interesting to watch the powerful portrayal of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna in different manifestations and contexts, performed well by the complete team of performers.  Nivedita Mukherjee The performance commenced with Mangalacharan portraying Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of Odissi, based on the Odia interpretation, glorifying the varied manifestations and the power of the Lord. An unusual number of the evening was Kanupriya (beloved of Kanu –Krishna) based on the rendition of Dr Dharamvir Bharati who portrays emotional intensity of Radha. It’s a poignant monologue of love and ache in which Radha is distressed and feels that Krishna is for everyone and not her, as her yearning was left answered. An intense depiction, well enacted by Nivedita with impeccable abhinaya. In Priye Charusheele, the scene differs as it is Krishna who is suffering from the pangs of separation, devotion in its human form, where the divine bows down to love and Radha is shocked to see the plight of Krishna. She is aware that he is no ordinary being, hence is taken aback by his complete submission to his human love and they ultimately unite. The post interval portrayed the complete Ramayana, commencing with the Navarasas in which every episode is linked to the particular emotion like the first encounter of Sita and Rama becomes shringara, the adbhuta when the kings are shocked as to how Lord Rama breaks the Shiva Dhanush and his veera in his encounter with Ravana and so on.   The Sita Haran was well depicted by the dancers, especially the role of Ravana created a lasting impression. The role of Jatayu and golden deer were well enacted. The presentation concluded with ardent devotion of Lord Hanuman when he opens his chest to reveal the presence of Lord Rama and Sita. The role of Ram was played by Aditi Mitra, Laxman by Srinidhi Mohan, Sita by Archana Menon, the golden deer Marich by Ramaa Bhave. Somita Kusari as Ravana was excellent, she practically succeeded in creating the terror associated with the character. Shraoshee Majumdar as Jatayu was quite pleasing. Guru Nivedita Mukherjee is founder director of Aratrika Dance Academy in Thane. Several dance aspirants have learnt the lyrical and sublime quality of the Odissi dance. Nivedita is an established mentor and has performed for several festivals in India and overseas.  Vijay Shankar is a Kuchipudi and Kathakali exponent, teacher, bilingual journalist, arts critic and actor. |
