Aditi Sriram performing at Adi Natya Vizha 2024 organised by Brahma Gana Sabha | Photo courtesy: Raghunathan SR
A dancer enjoying her performance adds beauty to the recital and is also a delightful sight for the audience. Aditi Sriram, a disciple of Meenakshi Chittaranjan, presented her solo Bharatanatyam recital as part of Adi Natya Vizha 2024 presented by Brahma Gana Sabha. She began with ‘Ananda Narthana Ganapatim’, a composition by Oothukadu Venkata Subbarayar in Raga Nattai and Adi tal.
The highlight of the evening was the Daru Varnam ‘Maate Malayadhwaja’. This composition by Muthaiya Bhagavathar is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, the presiding deity of Madurai. Aditi narrated the story of Meenakshi’s birth in detail. It is said that King Malayadhwaja of the Pandyas was very upset as he had no heir. Following the advice of the gods, he performed a yagna and Meenakshi appeared from the holy fire. She was raised to be a worthy ruler and when the time came, she declared her intention to conquer the eight directions and rule the world. Eventually, she reached Mount Kailash, the abode of Shiva. Seeing her divine form, she fell in love and Shiva promised to come to Madurai to marry Meenakshi. The composer has described the Goddess as the epitome of beauty and courage. The composition is based on Raga Khamas and Adi taal.
Aditi Sriram performing at the Adi Natya Vibhag 2024 organised by Brahma Gana Sabha. | Photo courtesy: Raghunathan SR
Aditi’s performance was full of sharp expressions and precise movements. Her enthusiasm added to the beauty of the singing.
Next came the song ‘Madhura Nagarilo’, which describes Krishna’s playful antics. The song describes how a young gopi, who is on her way to sell milk and make a living, is stopped by Krishna. She pleads with Krishna to let her go. She promises to stop by while returning, when the sun has set and the cows are being taken to their sheds.” The song is set in Anandabhairavi raga and Adi taal and composed by Chittoor Subramaniam Pillai. Aditi’s lively dance matched the mood of the song.
The closing performance was Swati Tirunal’s composition Tillana in Raga Dhanashree and Adi taal. Aditi came across as a promising youngster who understands the importance of making dance reflect the emotions in the songs and capture the rhythm and melody of the compositions.
