~G V Anna Rao
It was almost too good to be true to experience in the space of a week at Ravindra Bharathi recently another dazzling debut Rangapravesham from “Deepanjali School for Excellence in Kuchipudi”. Guru Smt. Deepika Reddy has to be credited with honing the skills of young students from her Institute to such a level of flawless perfection that it has to be seen to be believed! Setting the level for refinement, polished elegance and refined classicism as always to be expected from Deepanjali, the dual presentation by Sisters Samyu and Khushi Kamtam, who are lucky to have a Guru of such renown enthralled the audience.
The aesthetic Aharya, Lighting which was outstanding by Basavaraju, stunning make-up by Sudarshan, a surpassing orchestra headed by Maestro DSV Sastry made for a wonderful performance. It must be mentioned that Deepika Reddy is a worthy successor of her own legendary Guru Padma Bhushan Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam and adheres to his impeccable style without any dilution and is a perfectionist in all aspects. All the students who study at her school are moulded to inculcate discipline and also encouraged to not merely copy, but understand the intricate nuances of meaning in the sahityam and develop their own interpretation. Manodharma and Sattvika Abinaya are given the prominence they deserve as the Chief Guest noted Actor Dr. Tanikella Bharani remarked. Samyu has a bachelor’s degree in technology and Khushi is pursuing a degree in computer science.
Amba paraku wafted melodiously through the air as the customary song heralding the recital. Ganesha Pancharathnam salutes Sri Vinayaka; the sisters from the opening in gleaming costumes with jewellery shining with diamond lustre held the audience riveted. Angika Abhinaya was excellent as the God was depicted as holding divine joy in the form of the Modaka or Sweetmeat in his hand. The Master of his devotees, takes them under his protection and accomplishes their liberation. The single Tusk countenance of the Lord was delineated exactly. The nattuvangam by Guru Deepika Reddy was outstanding and the ringing syllables were enunciated with crisp and crystal-clear diction.
As the students performed, her complete involvement and beaming joy as they executed the twists and turns of dance movements in unison without missing a beat denoted the bliss of a teacher whose happiness is complete at witnessing the disciple’s merit. Both the symmetric and asymmetric choreographies by Deepika Reddy were at the height of creativity.
“Shiva Shiva Bhava Bhava” of Narayana Theertha is about the story of how the divine River Ganga came to flow on Earth. Bhagiratha performs penance to entreat Ganga to come to the nether regions of the Earth flowing down from Heaven. She by soaking the Ashes of his forefathers who perished due to a curse will liberate their souls. The onrush of her waters can only be borne by Mahadeva otherwise the force of her flow would wash away the Earth. Ganga gathers her torrents and decides to descend in a ferocious flood. Lord Shiva is not perturbed at all by her mischievous mood. The sisters exquisitely portrayed the trapping of the holy River in Shiva’s matted Locks and her abashed release in tamed streams gently on to Earth. Gangavatharana ended in vibrant synchronized dancing on the brass plate.
In”Madhura Nagarilo” Samyu was the shy gopika trying to escape from Khushi as Krishna pursuing her. The scene transported the audience to Vrindavan so apt were they in the roles of the winsome gopika and playfully teasing Krishna which the enchanting costumes of silken yellow Pitambara and Peacock Feather enhanced. The compositions on Kali, kouthuvam and ashtakam portrayed her in fierce and destructive aspects. The crimson light drenching the stage cast a lurid hue as Samyu in these solos radiated a fiery aura with abhinaya denoting this aspect of raudram to great effect.
“Alurulu kuriyaga” an Annamacharya keertana was essayed by Khushi. Her sparkling eyes flashed to set off the pastel hued aharya to perfection. Alamelu manga danced with charming sweetness and speaking glances, Anklets tinkling behind a Screen with her dancing feet only visible to entrance Lord Venkateswara. Her delicate abhinaya was a testimony to her teacher. The measured precision of nritta was excellent. The concluding thillana by Swati Thirunal was in Dhanasri.
The artistes together danced this brisk item and at its conclusion were rewarded with a rousing ovation. The audience had truly experienced rasanubhava and were spellbound by the performance and it is hoped that the sisters will go on to give many more such memorable recitals.