Joy to behold
TULSI BADRINATH
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Lakshman's calm, strong abhinaya flowed from within and his nritta was well executed.
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GRACE AND CONFIDENCE: A. Lakshman. Photo: R. Shivaji Rao.
A. Lakshman's excellent Bharatanatyam performance re-asserted the beauty of the margam, conforming to kalapramanam. The abhinaya for the opening Ganesa sloka revealed the dancer's fine training under Guru Kalanidhi Narayanan. It was a joy to behold his arms outstretched in a perfect natyarambham position in the tishra triputa alarippu.
The well-known shabdam "Sarasijakshulu," rarely performed nowadays, was a wonderful offering . Lakshman light-heartedly questioned Krishna about the rightness of his actions in varied ways.
The dancer portrayed sringara with dignity in the varnam, "Sami Ninne Kori," composed by Ponnaiah. He emoted the feelings of a love-lorn nayika, whose mind and heart are steadfast on Lord Brihadeeswara. Lakshman's calm, strong abhinaya flowed from within. His nritta was well-executed, and delivered with confidence and grace. It spoke of the solid foundation under Guru K.J. Sarasa. The varnam, set in a profusion of ragas — Todi, Sankarabharanam, Atana, Mukhari, to name a few — was sung exceedingly well by Hari Prasad.
Sikhamani, the violinist, played a succinct introduction to Dwijavanthi. Hari Prasad's rendition of the raga was sensitive, poignant. Lakshman rendered the Ashtapadi verse "Kshanamadhuna" with tenderness and reticent sensuality. He was persuasive as Krishna enticing Radha to step on his soft bed with her softer feet. With his gift for abhinaya, Lakshman could have attempted an even more intense and uninhibited interpretation.
A vibrant tillana in Revati, composed by Madurai N. Krishnan, ended the classy, enjoyable performance. Lakshman wore a resplendent magenta costume. During the bhramari movements, it flared registering a swirl of glowing colour.
Closer co-ordination between A.S. Murali on the nattuvangam and the dancer would have enhanced the performance. Luckily for Lakshman, mridangam expert Nellai D. Kannan provided the strong support required.
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