Carrying on the tradition
GUDIPOODI SRIHARI
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'Kalika Vijayam' is a tribute to Korada Narasimha Rao who had popularised the roles of `rakshasas' in Kuchipudi.
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Photo K. Ramesh Babu
DIVINE INTERVENTION A still from the Kuchipudi ballet `Kalika Vijayam'
The well-known Kuchipudi artiste Korada Narasimha Rao died recently and Nritya Darpana, run by his disciple Venkat, organised a memorial function. The function, held at Ravindra Bharathi, was marked by the presentation of one of Korada's ballets Kalika Vijayam by Venkat and his troupe. Felicitations followed and Korada memorial award was given to two dance gurus - veteran Nataraja Ramakrishna and Veena Murthy Vijay of Bangalore. The latter was associated with Korada when he was running one of his branches at Bangalore.
Korada's life was no bed of roses, especially his latter days. He underwent series of tragedies, including the death of his grownup son, mother, wife and sister and coupled with his own bad health. He was a large hearted man. He was the first artiste who took Kuchipudi abroad , as part `India in France' festival and was said to have impressed the then French president Charles De Gaul.
He could adapt to any kind of situation and time in presentation of ballets. He always encouraged his disciples. He first learned the art under the tutelage of the late Lakshmi Narayana Sastry, who perfected solo dances in Kuchipudi.
He then went to C. R. Acharya, who specialised in the presentation of special dance forms like Simhanandini, Mayuri Kautvam and so on, which involves drawing the pictures of a lion or a peacock while dancing on a sand laid floor.
Korada too taught those techniques to his disciples. He believed in mantras that Kuchipudi gurus knew to keep away evil eyes. He was part of those gurus who assembled at Kala Bhavan, venue of the then Sangeetha Nataka Academy, to perfect solo dances. He also knew temple dances. His grip on Yakshaganas was well known and he specialised in playing the roles of demons like Mahishasura or Hiranyakasipa that suited his bulky figure.
He was said to be the first guru who used Annamacharya compositions to weave ballets on divine subjects like Alivelu Manga and Lord Venkateswara. He was conferred upon with the title of Bharata Kala Prapoorna by the state Sangeetha Nataka Academy.
Modernised play
Venkat appears to have modernised `Kalika Vijayam' a bit to suit the modern taste. He packed his cast with a huge number of disciples playing supporting roles. He used masks for some characters, especially for those `rakshasas' born out of blood drops of the character of Rakta Beeja and also for the Goddess in some scenes.
Basically the theme is picked out of Devi Mahatmyam but limited to the role of demon Rakta Beeaja, who creates havoc after he is granted a wish by Brahma that every drop of blood that falls from his body would create demons out of it to attack his enemy.
And the enemy is none another than the Devi Maha Lakshmi herself, who finally has to take the form of Mahakali and kill the demon without allowing a single drop of blood to land on the floor.
The ballet ran for a little more than an hour. The main roles were only four - Narada who advises Rakta Beeja to do penance and get the grant from Brahma for invincibility, Mahalakshmi, Mahakali and Rakta Beeja. The rest of the artistes were used for group dances and also to create the illusion of Devi with many hands.
The lighting and magical scenes were created by the professional Surabhi technicians. Most of the ballet ran to the pre-recorded musical support given by Swetha and Kanna Rao.
Venkat played the role of Mahakali. Vempati Mohan appeared as the demon Rakta Beeja, while Sravanthi as Mahalakshmi and Hemasundar as Narada figured in other important roles.
Dr. C. Naraya Reddy was the chief guest at the felicitation function and spoke about Korada and his humane attitude. Venkat, who is well known for his presentation of Ardhanareeswara role, promised to continue the Korada tradition.
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