A Kuchipudi recital explores Krishna’s persona

Rasika Rajagopalan and D. Dilip
| Photo Credit: RAGHUNATHAN SR

When thematic dance performances are the order of the day, watching one based on traditional repertoire was refreshing. D. Dilip and Rasika Rajagopalan presented a Kuchipudi dance recital, organised by Saila Sudha, at Rasika Ranjani Sabha, in Chennai. Titled ‘Mugdha Madhavam’, the performance consisted of compositions devoted to Krishna.

The dancers, in colour-coordinated costumes, began with ‘Kasturi thilakam’, a prayer from Krishna Karnamritam by Bilavangala. Next came the Niroshta Raga Svaravali (composed by Bhagavatulu Seetharama Sharma), which was marked by energetic dancing. The piece also stood out for synchronised movements and sculpturesque poses.

Performances based on Krishna songs would be incomplete without a Jayadeva Ashtapadi. Here, Rasika presented an Ashtapadi, ‘Radhika krishna radhika tava virahe keshava’, choreographed by Vempati Chinna Satyam, as a solo abhinaya piece. She brought out well the emotions of love and separation. The union of jivatma and paramatma added a philosophical slant to the visualisation.

Narayana Tirtha composition, ‘Govardhanagiridhara’ (a story of Indra’s wrath resulting in torrential downpour and Krishna lifting the Govardhan mountain to protect Gokul) followed. It was explored through a seamless flow of movements and expressions. The interface between the jathis in varied beats and footwork patterns was executed well on the brass plate.

The choice of the Atana raga Oothukadu Venkata Kavi song ‘Madura madura venu geetham’, a solo exploration by Dilip, was filled with imageries of how birds and animals reacted to the melody from Krishna’s flute. Dilip’s agility and grace made the piece delightful. 

The performance concluded with Brindavana Saranga tillana, composed by M. Balamuralikrishna.

The melodious voice of Aparna Keshav was supported by Karaikal Venkata Subramaniam on the violin, Haribabu on the mridangam and Saumya Ramesh on the veena. Sailaja conducted the recital.