Recital of old world charm

NADA INBAM of S. V. Krishnan organised recently an enjoyable evening of traditional Padams and Javalis presented by senior artiste Nirmala Ramachandran of the Pandanallur tradition.

The selection was a blend of some major and lighter pieces, put together with grace and beauty of the old world charm.

Nirmalacommenced with an invocatory number, Tiruppugazh, "Yeru Mayileri", and followed it by "Kaa Vaa'', addressing Lord Muruga.

"Maname Bhooshanamu", the Telugu Padam which describes the lamentation of the love-lorn, quarrelsome Nayika was performed with dignity.

The next composition was "Yeppo Varuvaro" depicting the anxiety of the devotee who awaits Lord Nataraja.

The other major Telugu Padam was "Telisenura'' in Saveri, a beautiful composition explaining the agony of the desperate heroine who laments on the tricky and indifferent behaviour of the hero whom she finds to be having a new affair.

Although it turned out to be a crisp presentation, the elaborate description of the different shades of desperation and disappointment involving the lover and her beloved which could have been depicted in an interesting way did not find the treatment one would expect from a senior dancer.

The recital up to this part was offered more as a compact, neat work of art, whereas something more than this, transcending time and highlighting the limitless scope of the abhinaya element in Bharatanatyam would have delighted the serious rasika.

Also the compositions were well-known numbers, often seen in the Bharatanatyam recitals.

Nirmala had the support of Nalini Ramprasad and Radha Badri for vocal rendition.

NANDINI RAMANI

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