Keerthana Ravi’s ode to Dikshitar

Keerthana Ravi, a disciple of Padmini Ramachandran and Rama Vaidyanathan, began her performance for the Iyal, Isai, Nataka vizha of Narada Gana Sabha with Muthuswami Dikshitar’s ‘Jambupathe’ in Yamuna Kalyani — not a common choice for a dance recital. Seeking a path to true bliss, this song is filled with varied descriptions, and the dancer portrayed them through interesting sancharis.

This was followed by Swati Tirunal’s ‘Pannagendra sayana’. This interesting Ashtaragamalika composition begins with raga Sankarabharanam and travels through other ragas, ending with Bhoopalam. The song describes Padmanabha’s reclining form and his radiant personality and the nayika’s yearning for him. Keerthana conveyed these through appropriate gestures and movements.

Keerthana Ravi explored the beauty of rain in her thillana in Miyan ka Malhar.
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Special Arrangement

The final thillana in Miyan ka Malhar, composed by Karthik Hebbar, was a delightful piece, exploring the beauty and the sensory experiences of rain.

Keerthana needs to plan her repertoire, keeping in mind the time frame. It is difficult to maintain the momentum when one starts the recital with a Chowka Kala Dikshitar kriti in the afternoon slot. Also, a little more azhutham in Karthik’s rendition of the kriti would have enhanced the impact.

Kalliswaran Pillai on the nattuvangam, Harsha Samaga on the mridangam and Vivek Krishna on the flute lent fine support.