‘Sumanjula’ Dazzles Udupi with a Spectacle of Bharatanatyam Excellence
Udupi: The Infosys Yakshagana Kalaranga in Udupi became a sanctuary of classical art on the evening of Saturday, May 10th, as Nritya Vasantha Natyalaya® Kundapura presented “Sumanjula,” a meticulously curated Bharatanatyam performance that paid homage to the timeless traditions of this revered dance form. The event, is a testament to the artistic vision of Vidushi Smt. Sumangala Rathnakar Rao and Vidwan Sri Manjunath N. Puttur, drew a captivated audience into a world of rhythmic precision, expressive storytelling, and profound devotion.
The evening commenced with an inaugural address by Guru Kalatilaka Sri Ullal Mohan Kumar, a distinguished recipient of both the Karnataka Rajyotsava and Shantala Nritya Prashasti. His presence and eloquent words set a fitting tone for the cultural celebration that followed.
The performance unfolded with a series of meticulously crafted pieces, each showcasing a unique facet of Bharatanatyam. The opening Pushpanjali in Raga Saramathi, set to Chaturashra Jhampe thaala, was an innovative invocation composed by Vidushi Sumangala Rathnakar Rao. The choreography seamlessly blended traditional elements with fresh patterns and rhythmic brilliance, transforming each movement into a heartfelt offering of devotion. The dancers’ grace, symmetry, and palpable energy created a captivating prelude, perfectly setting the stage for future performances.
The subsequent Dwi-gati Alarippu, composed by Vidwan Manjunath N. Puttur and set to Adi thaala, demonstrated a remarkable exploration of both Tishra and Chaturashra gatis. The dancers exhibited an impressive command over rhythm and timing, highlighting the exceptional calibre of the Guru as a nattuvanar. This piece showcased their rhythmic precision, deep understanding of thaala, and ability to unlock the full potential of their students.
The third item, a Shabdam in Raagamalika set to Mishrachapu thaala and composed by Vidushi Sumangala Ratnakar, gracefully brought to life the epic saga of Lord Rama. From his divine birth to his heroic deeds, the choreography captured the essence of Rama’s life. The depiction of his childhood, particularly his mastery of the bow and arrow, radiated discipline and divine purpose. The performance of Rama protecting the yajna from demons was executed with stunning intensity, showcasing his valor and righteousness. The Seetha Swayamvara was portrayed with elegance and poise, culminating in a mesmerizing depiction of Rama lifting the mighty bow.
The Daru Varnam in Ragamalika set to Sankeerna jathi atta thaala, composed by Vidwan Manjunath N. Puttur, was a magnificent ode to Goddess Durga Parameshwari, a showcase of power, devotion, and artistic brilliance. The dancers tackled the intricate jathi compositions with remarkable clarity and control. Each sequence radiated the fierce yet compassionate essence of the Goddess, blending intense footwork with expressive abhinaya. The choreography demanded both stamina and finesse, and the performance rose to meet that challenge, leaving the audience in awe of its spiritual depth and technical mastery.
The fifth item, a Padam in Ragamalika set to Mishrachapu thaala and composed by Vidushi Sumangala Rathnakar, presented a beautiful portrayal of three distinct shades of love for Lord Krishna. The Virahotkanthita Nāyika, aching in separation, was depicted with eyes filled with longing. The Swādhīnapatikā Nāyika radiated joy, basking in Krishna’s devoted presence. The Vāsakasajjikā Nāyika, adorned with quiet hope, prepared for his arrival. Through expressive abhinaya, the dancers captured the full emotional spectrum of love – yearning, fulfillment, and anticipation – all centered around the divine presence of Krishna.
A Devaranama in Ragamalika set to Thrishra gathi Adi thaala, composed by Vidushi Sumangala Rathnakar, traced the enchanting life of Krishna. From the playful charm of Balakrishna, crawling with butter-laden hands, to the fierce slayer of Poothana, the piece highlighted Krishna’s divine power shining even in infancy. The narrative soared as he conquered Kamsa, restoring dharma with divine might. The mischievous lover in him lingered sweetly, as he stole the hearts of the Gopikas, teasing them with gentle kisses and playful glances. The piece was a perfect blend of bhakti, leela, and rasa, celebrating Krishna in all his glory.
The penultimate piece, a vibrant Thillana in Lavangi Raga, set to the intricate rhythms of Khanda Dhruva thaala, and composed by Vidwan Manjunath N. Puttur, offered a mesmerizing journey through sharp, energetic beats and melodious nuances. The dancers’ mastery of footwork was on full display as they effortlessly navigated the complex jathis, each step resonating with the spirit of the raga.
The performance culminated with a dignified and auspicious Mangalam in Madhyamavathi Raga, set to Adi thaala, bringing the program to a graceful end.
Throughout the evening, five disciples – Yukthi Udupa, Poorvika, Sunidhi Udupa, Gargidevi, and Mahalakshmi C.G – captivated the audience with impeccable precision and synchrony. Their poised performances, delivering exquisite renditions of classical Bharatanatyam compositions, showcased their profound understanding of the art.
The lyrical compositions by Vidushi Smt. Sumangala Ratnakar Rao were deeply appealing, rich in bhava, poetic beauty, and perfectly suited for expressive choreography. The lyrics carried the soul of each piece, drawing the audience into a world of devotion and grace. For her impeccable knowledge of lyrical compositions, she was awarded “Nrithya Saahithya Vaaridhi”. Vidwan Manjunath N. Puttur’s jathi compositions and rhythmic calculations were intellectually stimulating and artistically fluid, offering a perfect platform for the dancers to display their mastery. Each jathi was crafted with mathematical precision, yet flowed with natural grace. He was awarded “Nritya Gathi Praneetha” for his mastery over thaala and compositions.
The musical ensemble provided an extraordinary accompaniment, bringing unmatched depth to the performance. The intricate rhythms of the mridangam by Vid. Vinay Nagarajan, the soulful strains of the veena by Vid. Anantha Narayanan, and the melodic nuances of the flute by Vid. Nithish Ammannaya blended seamlessly, enhancing every moment. The exceptional vocals by Vid. Shrikanth Gopalakrishnan added a rich, resonant quality that elevated the entire experience. The impeccable coordination between the vocalist and instrumentalists created a divine synergy that made the performance unforgettable.
The costumes, a stunning blend of tradition and elegance, enhanced the visual appeal of the performance. The vibrant colors, intricate designs, and graceful drapes complemented every movement and expression on stage.
In conclusion, “Sumanjula” was an excellent production, characterized by meaningful lyrics, rhythmic execution, captivating performances, a well-coordinated musical ensemble, and impressive lighting. It was, as observed by Vid. Deeksha Ramakrishna, truly a visual treat and a testament to the dedication and artistry of Nritya Vasantha Natyalaya® Kundapura.
