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Dance programme based on Meera
Shobana Bhalchandra's recent performance titled 'Meera' at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai was unique in its own way. The life of Meera was staged in the traditional Bharatanatyam style with simple live orchestration comprising Nattuvangam, Vocal, Mridangam, Violin, Flute and Tambura. The specialty of the programme was that the songs were taken from the evergreen hit Tamil movie 'Meera'. The catchy lyrics of Papanasam Sivan and Kalki Krishnamurti coupled with catchy tunes make the movie a timeless hit. The famous 'Katrinile Varum Geetam' with its tune taken from the famous Bengali singer Jutika Roy in the voice of M S Subbulakshmi is an immortal melody of Indian cinema. Such songs were given a new life by the dancer Shobana.
The story of Meera was split into three units, namely, Meera's early years, her trials in life during her married life, and her life after she left the palace in search of Krishna and the union of her soul with His. The programme mirrored perfect teamwork. Vocalist Radha Bhadri's soulful singing requires special mention. Shobana's perfection in every movement of hers spoke her experience and her sincere training under the Dhananjayans. In 'Aranga un Mahimai' and 'Maravene Ennaalum Unnai', she portrayed the trials the came in Meera's way including her brother-in-law's attempts to take away her life. It is just not exaggeration to say that the audience were in tears when Meera was given poison.
The other songs, which were performed in an equally effective manner, were 'Marainda Koondilirundu', 'Brindavanattil Kannan' and 'Udal Uruga'. In 'Engum Niraindaaye' the audience witnessed a beautiful unification of Meera with Krishna. Mridangist Vijayaraghavan added colour to the show with his excellent maintenance of the tempo, exact reproduction of the nadai-s (theka-s), coupled with timely effects to enhance the audio appeal. Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam who was the chief invitee appreciated Shobana's novel attempt.
Lakshmi Kannan
Posted on April 30, 2003