Pragya and Akshay performing for Brahma Gana Sabha’s Adi Natya Vizha | Photo courtesy: SR Ragunathan
Bharatanatyam singing performed as a duet is seen as an exercise in coordination, where mime and movement find both individual and shared expression. Akshaya Hariharan and Prajna Srivatsan, disciples of Srikala Bharata, performed as part of Adi Natya Vizha 2024 presented by Brahma Gana Sabha.
Akshaya and Pragya started their singing with Anjali in Raga Valji and taals Adi.
Pragya then performed ‘Ananda Narthana Ganapatim’, a composition by Oothukadu Venkata Subbayar, set in Raga Nattai, Adi Talam. The piece depicts how Ganesha wrapped a snake around his belly to prevent the modakas (sweets) from falling out. Pragya’s portrayal was realistic.
Brahma Gana Sabha’s Aadi Natya Vijha provides a platform for promising talents | Photo courtesy: SR Raghunathan
Akshay then presented a Jatiswaram performance by the Tanjore Quartet in Ragamalika and Misra Chapu taal. The nritta-oriented piece was handled well.
The highlight was the Daru Varnam ‘Maate Malayadhwaja’ performed by both Akshay and Pragya. This composition by Muthaiya Bhagavathar is composed in Raga Khamas and taal Adi. The Varnam depicts the beauty and courage of Goddess Meenakshi, who defeated the demons Chandan and Mundan. Later, she meets Shiva and realises her love for him. Pragya played the role of King Malayadhwaja (Meenakshi’s father). In the line ‘Shatodhaari Shankari Chamundeshwari’, Akshay played the role of the Goddess while Pragya played the role of Shiva. Later, Akshay played the role of the demon and Pragya was the destroyer of demons. Their coordination extended to their costumes as well. Both of them performed solo jathas in the Varnam.
Pragya and Akshaya show the importance of coordination in dance | Photo Credit: SR Raghunathan
The second part of the recital began with the composition ‘Garuda Gaman’ by Shankaracharya Bharati Tirtha Mahaswami of Sringeri Math, which was based on Yamuna Kalyani and Adi talas. This composition presented by Akshay describes Garuda, the vehicle of Vishnu.
The next performance was a Javali by Pattabhi Ramayya in Poorvikalyani and Adi talas. It started with the line ‘Neematalemayenura’ and was performed by Pragya. In this kriti, the heroine says, “Enough of your false words that disappear like words written on water and magic that just flows away.”
Rukmini Ramani’s Thillana was the concluding piece. Set in Raga Surya and Adi tal, it is a praise to Nataraja. It was performed by both Akshay and Pragya.
