Srividya - Kuchipudi Performance - October 2016 - A Report
Jal Vayu Vihar, Hyderabad
A Report Dr. Nithya Srinivasan
Introduction:
It gives me immense pleasure to share my thoughts on the recent Kuchipudi performance by Srividya Angara Sinha. I had the opportunity to see her perform at the University of Virginia at Charlottesville, USA between 2010-12, and so deep and divine was the impact of her Kuchipudi dance, that it kept me longing earnestly for more. During this years’ Dussara, my prayers were answered when I came to know that she would be performing here, in Hyderabad on 10th October 2016.
“Vinayaka Vandanam”
First was th introductory piece “Vinayaka Vandanam” which included the shloka “Gajananam Bhoota Ganandhi sevitam” and “Kautvam”, set in Naattai Raagam followed by the popular kriti- “ Vinayaka Ninnu vina brochutaku” by E.V. Ramakrishna bhagavatar set in Hamsadhwani raagam, I was truly impressed by her immaculate footwork, soulful expressions describing Lord Gajanana as the remover of all obstacles. Her grace in Kuchipudi were specially seen during the fast paced last piece/kriti.
“Prahlada Pattabhisheka Shabdam"
The second piece, “Prahlada pattabhisheka shabdam” in melodious Ragams- Mohanam, Aarabhi and Charukesi set to Mishra Chapu taalam, required Srividya to both channelize and unleash her energies to potray the demon king Hirankashipu and his vile ways, the innocent yet determined devotee Prahallada and finally, the Lion-man incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the form of Lord Nrisimha, and Srividya truly exhibited that she is an artist par excellence! So perfect was her offering that even my 4 year son could easily relate to each and every character! It was particularly interesting to see how she could distinctively show the difference between the ruthless asura and the ugra roopam of Nrisimhadeva.
“Amma Anandadayini”
The next piece “Amma Anandadayini” popularly known as Ammavarnam, set to Gambhira Naattai raagam, was however my favourite one, the highlight being her own Kuchipudi choreography. The rasikas were left absolutely stunned by Srividya’s portrayal of the divine mother, and manifestation of her varied characteristics-, being the source of all cosmic forms as “Omkaara Swaroopini-Akaara, Ukaara, Makaara Roopini”, bestowing strength and happiness to all her children, coupled with her boon-granting beauty. The choreography of Srividya showcased very differently paced pure dance forms and abhinaya segments (expressions) that were married in perfect harmony! Another aspect was the amount of saadhana that went into becoming one with the eternal mother! She portrayed the form of Mahishasura Mardhini to perfection, as the destroyer of evil, on Vijaya Dashami day!
“Krishnam Kalayasakhi Sundaram”
Srividya concluded her performance with the final piece “Krishnam kalayasakhi sundaram”, the famous Tarangam set to Adi Talam in Mukhari raagam by Sri Narayana Teeratha. Her sincerity, perfection and devotion towards Kuchipudi was so evident by her mesmerizing portrayal of Lord Krishna. Srividya’s dexterity in footwork, coupled with control and balance, won the hearts of all the audience members, as she danced on the rim of a brass plate with ease! To sum it up, we were left in a divine trance! Here’s wishing Srividya all the very best in the future, as a torch bearer of this ancient and exquisite art form of Kuchipudi.
Dr. Nithya Srinivasan, a post-doctoral fellow from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, and an avid rasika who currently resides in Hyderabad
*All views are of the contributor.
*******
Credits & Keywords-Srividya Angara, Kuchipudi, Nithya Srinivasan, Hyderabad, Report
,
(C), Do Not Copy, Copyrights Acknowledged, PriyaLasya, Hamara
(C), O16 -K-19-1