Friday Review
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Kuchipudi flavour at its best
GUDIPOODI SRIHARI
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Sobha Naidu presented ‘Vipranarayana’ in a style that was traditional and appealing.
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FINE FOOTWORK A scene from `Vipranarayana'
It was a great display of Kuchipudi tradition, laced with modern touch! Vipranarayana, written by Devulapalli Krishna Sastry and set to music by Rajanikantha Rao and presented this time by no less than, an eminent Kuchipudi exponent and guru, Sobha Naidu. This ballet staged recently at Ravindra Bharati was an elegant production in terms of technical, sound, lights and props, which were made out of cloth, a tradition Sobha’s guru Vempati Chinna Satyam set. The lyrics and music with Kandarthas, Daruvus, Pravesa Daruvus and Dwipadas , made it a literary and musical experience.
The programme was organised jointly by Sri Vaishnavi Kuchipudi Nrutya Kalakendram and Department of Culture, Government of Andhra Pradesh,. The story of Devadevi and Vipranarayana has been used for dance, drama and cinema quite charmingly in the past. Veteran star Akkineni Nageswara Rao, who played the lead role with Bhanumati as Devadevi in Vipranarayana (1954) , was the chief guest at the function. He keenly watched the ballet and said that there was some variation in the climactic part of the theme and yet appreciated Sobha Naidu for her brilliant performance as Devadevi. Indeed, this role of Devadevi is packed with more of drama. The way she pretends as a devotee of the Lord and then mischievously teases Vipranarayana’s disciple Srinivasa, making him to understand that she did what she wanted to do, proving no man can stay away from her charm. It was Sobha Naidu all the way in the role of Devadevi . She could depict with ease the arrogance of a beautiful Devadevi on one hand and pretend to be totally devoted to Ranganatha on the other. There were plenty of Jatis between charanas (lyrical lines), well choreographed by her and executed with precision by her and her disciples in other roles. Lavanyalata and Kanna Rao provided expressive and melodious vocal support. Mahankali Mohan conducted the whole show with perfect nattuvangam. Sujata Murthy played the prime role of Vipranarayana and Nitya was Ranganatha. Usha Kiran played disciple of Vipranarayana. Baby Bhargavi, Shilpa, Lavanya, Pallavi, Sri Lakshmi were in other roles. P.R. Sarma on mridangam, Sai Kumar on violin and Dattatreya on flute lent good support.
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Friday Review
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
|
