Showcase of myriad emotions

Photo: S.Siva Saravanan

Eloquent: Srekala Bharath.

Srekala Bharath, one of the prominent disciples of K.J.Sarasa, presented a spell-binding Bharatanatyam recital at Nani Palkhiwala Auditorium, Coimbatore. Well-trained, highly articulate and tastefully dressed Srekala Bharath was performing for Rajala kshmi Fine Arts on the theme ‘Sakhi.’

Before actually beginning her performance, she enumerated the roles played by the ‘sakhi’ in ‘love-literature.’ A ‘sakhi’ is a female friend of the Naayika, a confidante and a well-wisher. At the philosophical level, she is the guru who unites the jeevatma with the Paramatma. Her predominant role is that of a messenger and so other messengers in the epics such as the cloud, the swan and the parrot can also be considered sakhis.

The Anjali in Gowlai gave a sprightly beginning to her performance that had been planned with great care and concerted effort. She followed it with ‘Ennuyirththozhi Nee Allavo’ in Arabhi as an ode to the ever-reliable friend.

The padavarnam, ‘Sakhiye Intha Jaalam Enadi’ by K.N. Dandayuthapani Pillai in Shankarabharanam seemed to be tailor-made for her theme. The nayika persuades the reluctant sakhi to go to Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala and request him to come to her immediately. Her choreography for this item was concise with limited sancharis. Her sanchari for ‘Pagalum Iravum’ was very appropriate and moving bringing nostalgic memories of the happy days she had spent with her lord and how lonely and miserable she was without Him.

Srekala depicted the episode of Sudama for the line, ‘Theeraa Vinaiyagatrum Ennuyir Nesanadi.’ Sudama’s tired gait, his astonishment and delight looking at the tall buildings in Krishna’s kingdom and the delightful hospitality of Krishna were depicted vividly. The usual episodes such as Gajendra Moksham were presented very briefly with just a hint that was sufficient to convey the essence of the lyrics.

Srekala did not overlook the fact that some friends can betray friendship. She presented an item on the unfaithful sakhi. ‘Unnai Thoodhu Anuppinene, Ennadi Nadandhadhu?’ in Saveri was very impressive with the credulous nayika getting the shock of her life when she found her sakhi with the dishevelled hair, crumpled sari and faded thilakam. She admirably exploited the immense possibilities for abhinaya in this item. Her brief Ragam, Tanam, Pallavi, specially composed for this theme by Pappu Venugopala Rao and set to tune in Vachaspathi by Kuldeep Pai, was a novel attempt. The pallavi with the lines, ‘Sakhi Rasa Samuditha’ and ‘Prathibimbamiva Naayika’ was very suitable for the occasion.

The item consisting of the lines from Meghadootam, ‘Jaatham Vamshe, Bhuvana Vidhite’ was included to show that the cloud as a messenger can be taken as a sakhi.

The pangs of separation of the Yaksha, separated from his wife were authentically portrayed by Srekala. His suffering seemed more acute as it was the rainy season and his wife would be longing for his company. When he noticed the black cloud he presumed it was going to his country and requested it to carry his message to his dear wife. She concluded with the tillana in Surya on ‘sakhi’ composed by Dr.Rukmini Ramani.

Her eloquent eyes that could convey any emotion, her agile movements and nimble feet make it appear as if she is a powerhouse of energy. The orchestra was an added asset. Nattuvangam by Suresh was clear, fast and crisp. Vidya Srinivasan sang with great confidence and absolute control over her voice. If Muruganandam’s violin was melody personified, more so was his raga delineation. Mridangam by Vedakrishnan was quite good.

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