Effective portrayal
V.V.RAMANI
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`Sura Sundari Vaibhavam,' a dance presentation by Uma Muralikrishna gave an insight into the lives of the celestial dancers, Ramba, Urvashi and Menaka.
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Photo: Deepti Shyamsundar.
ALL ABOUT BEAUTIES: From `Sura Sundari Vaibhavam'.
The names `Ramba, Urvashi, Menaka' instantaneously bring forth images of celluloid heroines but what we witnessed in a recent dance recital was not these celluloid beauties, but the celestial beauties adorning Indra's court. `Sura Sundari Vaibhavam,' a dance production by Uma Murali Krishna in Kuchipudi style, a compilation of stories in three episodes gives us a glimpse into the life of the celestial dancers.
The images of exquisite beauty, one associate with these apsaras was possibly the inspiration for Uma to take up this theme. Bejewelled hairstyles, colleting colourful costumes and veils and sparkling ornaments were there in full measure and Uma not letting this opportunity slip by donned these roles and danced with ease.
Both `Ramba and Menaka'" were sent to distract and disturb Sage Vishwamitra's penance. The scenario in both these episodes were similar and choreography was repetitive. Uma's talent added verve to the depictions.
Vivid portrayal
Ramba as an aggressive and coquettish woman was contrasted by Uma's vivid potrayal of Menaka as a graceful woman full of lyricism and sensuousness. Elements of the Kuchipudi style with the narrators or sutradars acting as links to the stories, `Paathra Pravesha Daru' were introduced for Menaka's entry appropriately. The musical score for this production by J.Ramesh was note-worthy.
Without drawing unnecessary attention, ragas, rhythms flowed one after another effortlessly. The musical team comprising Ramesh and Roshini on vocal, B.P.Hari Babu on mridangam, Seshadri on violin, P.V.Ramana on flute embellished the dance. Murugan of Bharathiya Vidya Bhawan needs to be commended for the excellent lighting and sound system. Mosali Kanti Kishore conducted and choreographed this show. Dancers - Shoba, Archana, Sheela, Lakshmi Priya, Venu Gopal and Badrinath danced competently.
The hand out speaks about the important part these apsaras played for the welfare of society and for peace and prosperity to the world, but what we saw was only a narration of stories. The dancer needs to work in adding more depth to the characters and story ideas to communicate this concept at a deeper level.
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