Shabana and Shafiqudeen at the two-day Aikyam festival. , Photo Credit: Ragu R
Shafikudeen and Shabana, disciples of Natyacharya VP and Shanta Dhananjayan, performed on the second day of the recently held Aikyam festival. The dancers, coordinated in light shades of green and mustard, were as captivating as the Kalakshetra Bani they performed.
Throughout the 75-minute concert, the items flowed quickly with the help of a solid team of accompanists. Kandadevi Vijayaraghavan on the violin created the atmosphere of the evening. Singer Hariprasad’s fluidity was a great support to the dancers. Guru Bhardwaj’s vocals on Jayashree Ramanathan’s nattuvangam and mridangam were in sync as the artistes skillfully matched their steps while maintaining the rhythm component.
Invoking Ganesha, Shafiqudeen and Shabana neatly presented the many aspects of the elephant-headed god in ‘Prabho Ganapate’ (Raga Tilang).
The popular Papanasam Sivan Varnam ‘Sami Naan Andan Adimai’ was presented in the memory of Professor CV Chandrasekhar, from whom the duo learned the composition. While in Sthayi the devotional sentiment was clearly established, in Korvai sections the Thermanam could be performed jointly – this would add to the appeal. Instead, Shafiquddin performed Advus, while Shabana stood in Samapada or Swastika.
The Khamas Padam, ‘Theruvil Varano’ was choreographed by Shafikudeen and beautifully performed by Shabana. He described the plight of the heroine who was anxious in anticipation of her master’s arrival. Both of them finished with a crisp thrashing in Kaapi.
The concert series was a joint venture of MSMAB and Mansi Arts Academy, which provides a platform for talented young dancers who are paid to share their art.
published – October 14, 2024 10:09 PM IST
