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The State of the art
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Republic Day was the take-off point for some interesting cultural shows in the Capital
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Photo: Rajeev Bhatt
Stalwarts all The concert at Siri Fort
Republic Day comes and goes. It often spells traffic jams rather than patriotism, jingoism rather than pride in India. But when India is artistically packaged, it sets the most cynical of hearts fluttering in pride for this country of innumerable ar
ts. Time was when Yamini Krishnamurti and Sonal Mansingh were known for their parallel dance offerings in New Delhi on Republic Day every year. Sonal’s record remains unbroken. The habit began, she recalls, some 28 years ago. “It’s some kind of a record,” she laughs. “Why I started 28 years ago, I don’t remember. One reason is of course, being brought up in a Gandhian family.” Having seen the nationalist heroes close up was a big inspiration. “The second thing, perhaps, is a self-imposed challenge. Us bahane you think of new things, new choreography. Otherwise you can fall into a rut doing the same old things. So I think creativity and nationalism combined are the reasons.”This year’s theme was “Adbhutam – The Miraculous”, which she elaborated using poetry from a range of sources that celebrated life changing moments. A gifted orator, she brought to life the story, for example, of the 12th Century poet Jayadeva whose ‘writer’s block’ was cured by Lord Krishna Himself, when He dressed up as the poet and completed the lines of his half-written verse. She also took the Sanskrit verse of Krishna being told a bedtime story by Yashoda. In the old days, she recalls, the venue for her Republic Day programme used to be Kamani auditorium, and it was always a ticketed show. Auditorium rentals were less earlier, she mentions, adding she doesn’t take sponsorship for the 26th January programme. “It’s my tribute to the nation.” In recent years the venue shifted to the India Habitat Centre.
Over the years her diverse themes included Pancha Kanya, Madhurotsavam, heroic women and others, but were not overtly nationalist. “The occasion is patriotic and the offering is artistic.”
In harmony Sonal Mansingh
After 25 years, says the veteran, she wondered if it was time to call it quits. “But people ask me what are you going to do this year. That is a wonderful feeling.”
The show, as they say, must go on.
Visions of India
The Republic Day parade was not the only event that drew milling crowds. At New Delhi’s Siri Fort auditorium this Tuesday, the ample stage was choc-a-bloc with artistes, and the audience was wowed. Violin maestro L. Subramaniam brought together over a score of artistes from diverse regions of India to perform “The Visions of India” concert in celebration of India’s 60th year of independence. Featuring Carnatic vocal maestro M. Balamuralikrishna, Baul singer Purno Das Baul Samrat, Sufi singers the Wadali Brothers, bass guitarist Keith Peters among others, the performance for Subramaniam was part of what has become a family tradition – the Laksminarayana Global Music Festival dedicated to the memory of his father.
“This is the 17th year of the music festival,” says Subramaniam, marvelling at how the time has flown. “We’ve done it in about 20 countries.” Delhi was off the itinerary in the past few years, but this year Subramaniam, with his wife, playback singer Kavita Krishnamurty, and children — vocalist Bindu Seetaa and violinist Ambi — and stalwarts from classical and folk fields were back with a bang.
“Hundreds of artistes have worked with us,” says Subramaniam. “This one is a special tribute to India’s 60th year of independence.”
How tough is it to bring together such a diverse bunch? “It is thanks to the sincerity of all the artistes that after planning, writing, and rehearsing, we got what we wanted,” says the maestro.
ANJANA RAJAN
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Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Madurai
Mangalore
Puducherry
Tiruchirapalli
Thiruvananthapuram
Vijayawada
Visakhapatnam
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