For the first time this year, on the occasion of World Dance Day, Kandula Kuchipudi Natyalayam founder and Kuchipudi dancer, Ravi Kuchipudi, in association with Shilparamam Arts & Crafts Society, Madhapur presented ‘Nritya Sammelanam 2024’ at the Amphitheatre Shilparamam Madhapur from 5.30pm onwards. Speaking to Natyahasini, Ravi Kuchipudi says: “There were many dance forms and dancers across the country and Canada, who had come to the city to participate. Some of them have been awarded with the Ustad Bismillah Khan Puraskar. The dancers were- Debasish Pattnaik (Odissi), Swarnadipa (Mohiniyattam), Rajib Ghosh (Kathak), Rishikesh & Sanjana Seerala (Bharatanatyam), and Santhosh Kumar (Perini Tandavam).
The evening began with the lighting of the lamp by the distinguished guests – Kuchipudi dance Guru, Shri Vedantam Satya Narasimha Sastry Garu, Kathak exponent, Shri Sanjay Kumar Joshi and Smt. J Jaya Lakshmi Ranganayaki Garu, art lover, social activist.
Ravi Kuchipudi, who has been teaching the art form to the youngsters, over the past two decades, began his performance with “Mooshika Vahana”. He set the stage on fire with “Jayamu Jayam Lalitha Kala Vaaniki”, which was truly a breath-taking presentation. His solo performance was followed by his students presenting “Pooja Nrutyam” and “Adhyatma Ramayana Keerthana.” The presentation on Ramayana Keerthana was well appreciated and for many it had a divine and calming effect.
Hailing from Rourkela, Odisha, Odissi dancer Debasish Pattnaik mesmerized with ‘Angikam’. He followed it up with ‘Madhurashtakam’, showcasing the lyrical beauty of the dance form. Debasish, an Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar awardee, held the attention of his audience.
Coming from Durgapur, West Bengal, Mohiniyattam dancer, ‘Kalamandalam’ Swarnadeepa Mahanta, enchanted the audience with the timeless lullaby ‘Omanathinkal Kidavo’. He then followed it with a soulful rendition of a Hindi Bhajan, ‘Aaj Aye Shaam Mohe’.
Kathak dancer Rajib Ghosh, who hails from Kolkata, West Bengal, started with ‘Shiv Vandana’ and captivated the Rasikas with ‘Tarana’, showcasing a competitive play between the dancer and the tabla players.
Nagpur-based Rishikesh P Pohankar in his Bharatanatyam performance, enchanted the audience with ‘Devi Kirtanam’, portraying the divine energy of Goddess Amba, and later performed Abhanga a form of devotional poetry sung in praise of Hindu God, Lord Vittal.
Another solo by Toronto-based Bharatanatyam dancer Shri Shakthi Sanjana Seerala, added grace with pieces of ‘Amba Stuthi’ and ‘Chintayama Kanda’, exploring the duality of Shakti and Shiva.
Dancer Santosh Perumandla, hailing from Janagam, showcased the state’s dance form Perini Tandavam. The evening also featured riveting performances of ‘Shiva Tandavam’, with the energy of the dance of the Lord very visible in the performances.
Kandula Kuchipudi Natyalayam is thankful to the support of Shri Santosh Kumar (Chairman), Ventas Ventures, Shri Srikanth Joshi (President) Sri Vigneswara Enterprises and Shri PA Amal Priyantha (Operation Head – South, DAMRO Furniture Pvt. Ltd.