Young Bharatnatyam danseuse Shilpa, a graded artists of Doordarshan, gave a powerful rendition at the 316th Monthly Baithak Programme of Pracheen Kala Kendra. Representing the new generation of Indian classical dance, she skillfully blends both tradition and innovation. Working as a Program Officer at the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Shilpa learnt from Guru Muniswami and Guru Shubharani Bholar. The program began with Ganesha Kauthavam, composed in Raga: Nattai and Tala: Adi, invoking the presence of the elephant-headed Lord, Lord Ganesha. In this Kauthavam, Shilpa portrayed the Lord Ganesha’s majestic form, whose presence sanctifies the space. Through rhythmic syllables and beautiful expressions, she narrated His divine qualities and seeks His blessings to remove all internal and external obstacles. This was followed by Tishra Alarippu, a traditional Bharatanatyam sequence adorned with the Tala Tishra. This pure dance performance has no narrative. The rhythm and beat of traditional dance is the base of this performance. Shilpa’s next rendering was Shiva Shabdam, which was based on the Raga Kambhoji and Tala Mishra chapu. Shilpa won the audience’s hearts with her soulful performance based on Abhinaya Ang based on the heart-touching lyrics of “Shankara Parameswara” in Kannada, this performance depicts the deep bond between a devotee and God through three different stories. Shilpa gave a masterful performance in this dance based on the stories of Ravana, the devotee Kannapa, and a Shiva devotee. After this she she moved on to present Javali, based on Raga Kapi and Tala Aadi (Deshadadi), portrays a Khandita nayaika who is truly enraged after discovering her lover’s infidelity. Hurt by her lover’s deceit and reflecting on how he had a relationship with another woman while she was still with her, she decides to leave him, leaving her home and choosing self respect, and is happy with her decision. Concluding the program, Shilpa performed Devarnama, composed by poet Purandara Dasa, set to Raga: Poorvikalyani and in Tala: Aadi. This presentation featured a composition based on the tender, playful and emotional relationship between a mother and her child, depicting the beautiful, loving expressions of Lord Krishna and Mother Yashoda.At the end of the program, the Kendra’s Secretary, Sajal Koser, honored the artist with a memento and a uttariya.
