‘Rudra’ presents the many facets of Shiva

Shruti Umaiyaal, student of Meenakshi Chitharanjan, presented a thematic solo ‘Rudra’, under the auspices of Bharat Kalachar.

Commencing with ‘Sankara sri giri nadaprabho’, a composition by Swati Tirunal in raga Hamsanandi, Shruti established the theme through energetic, clear movements.

As the recital progressed, one got to witness a string of pieces, each showcasing the lord of dance through different perspectives — the lovelorn nayika, the angry mother and the dedicated devotee.

The highlight of the evening was the pada varnam ‘Yenneramum avarai ninaithaenadi’, a composition by Pandanallur Srinivasa Pillai in Chakravaham. Here, the viraha nayika was depicted with depth. The choreography and compering by Meenakshi Chittaranjan that clearly delineated the sthayi bhava made the experience enjoyable.

This was followed by a traditional padam, a nindha sthuthi in Kalyani, ‘Yethai kandu nee ichai kondaiyadi magale’ ’. On seeing her daughter’s intense love for Shiva, the mother calls him a madman, and asks her daughter what she found in him, a mendicant who lives in the cemetery. The nayika quotes Thirugnanasambandar’s lines ‘Kadalagi kasindu’, reiterating her boundless devotion to Shiva.

The recital concluded with K.N. Dandayudhapani Pillai’s thillana in raga Hindolam, seeking Nataraja’s grace.

The orchestra — Meenakshi Chitharanjan (nattuvangam), Gomathi Nayagam (vocals), Sakthivel Muruganandam (mridangam) and Karaikaal Venkata Subramanian (violin) — was an asset to the performance.