Kala Sadhana, an annual performance in memory of Rukmini Devi
The 2025 edition, held recently, began with the feet of six dancers seen below a thiraiseelai (curtain), held by two other dancers. It was a graceful introduction to the six Karthigai pengal, who are intrinsic to the story of the birth of Muruga. This aesthetically conceived sequence formed a prelude to the presentation of 'Arupadai Veedu'.
Beginning with the episode where Ganesha and Muruga fight over a mango, the other sequences focussed on the temples that form the Arupadai Veedu. Aesthetically choreographed, the section dedicated to the temples had dancers portraying their distinct features through well-designed movement patterns and aptly-conceived sancharis.
The story of Soorapadman was the highlight here. From the vibrant dancing of the demonesses in the court and the entry of Soorapadman to the ensuing battle between him and Muruga, the sequences were developed as an engrossing costume drama. An imaginative element was three apsaras witnessing the battle from behind a transparent curtain. It was a nice way to use the stage space.
The musical score was a fine blend of Carnatic ragas, chosen according to the scene. Vocalist Hariprasanth's bhava-rich voice added to the appeal of the production. M. Srikrishna on the mridangam, M.V. Srinivas on the violin, Bhagyalakshmi on the flute, Shyam on the tambura and Gunasekar on the conch offered amazing support. S. Premnath wielded the cymbals .
The production, with well-coordinated costumes, sets, lighting and music, and dance composition was a heartfelt tribute to Rukmini Devi.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
8 hours ago
- The Hindu
Kempegowda International Airport unveils Rhythm of BLR
Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has unveiled its signature sonic identity — Rhythm of BLR. Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), operator of the airport, said that this unique musical expression has been developed in collaboration with sonic branding experts BrandMusiq. 'This unique musical expression is a central part of the Feels Like BLR campaign envisioned to transform the airport from a transit point into a space that truly connects with people. Music has the power to create deep emotional connections and instant recognition. Rhythm of BLR is designed to evoke a sense of warmth, familiarity, and emotional resonance — capturing the joy of new beginnings, the comfort of homecomings, and the spirit of Bengaluru itself,' BIAL said. It said that the BLR Airport Anthem is composed by Grammy Award-winning artist Ricky Kej and Rhythm of BLR is a multisensory narrative that blends tradition with global influences. 'Drawing from Carnatic sounds like the mandolin and mridangam, and harmonised with Western acoustic and electric guitars, piano, and a vibrant sing-along chorus, the identity becomes a rich jugalbandi of heritage and modernity,' it said. BAIL managing director and CEO Hari Marar said: 'Every journey begins and ends with emotions. At KIA, we've always believed that travel should connect not just places, but people, feelings, and memories. Rhythm of BLR is an extension of that belief — a sonic expression of Bengaluru's spirit that welcomes you, comforts you, and stays with you long after you've left the airport. For us, this isn't just a sound, rather a part of our identity, a reminder that you're home, or on your way to something special.'
The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
In a village of silence, her violin continues to sing for 80 years
The eerie silence of the narrow Madathu Theru (street) in Mathirimangalam, in the Mayiladuthurai district, is suddenly broken by the delicate strains of a violin. Ninety-one-year-old Meenakshi Subramanian is fine-tuning her instrument. She briefly launches into an alapana in Kedaram or Shankarabharanam or Khamas or Begada or Pantuvarali, before playing her favourite keerthanas. Born in 1934, Meenakshi Subramanian is probably one of the last musicians of her generation from the composite Thanjavur district to have remained confined to her village — more precisely, within the four walls of her home — whilst others migrated to Chennai. She too might have carved out a space for herself and the Mayavaram Govindaraja Pillai style of violin playing in the world of Carnatic music in Chennai. However, that opportunity was denied to her as polio afflicted her legs at the age of four. .'I started learning the violin from Kuttalam Vaithilingam Pillai, a student of Mayavaram Govindaraja Pillai, at the age of ten. The lessons continued for five years. Subsequently, I learnt a great deal from listening to musicians such as G.N. Balasubramanian, M.S. Subbulakshmi, D.K. Pattammal, Lalgudi Jayaraman, and Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar,' says Ms Subramanian, whose excellent hearing faculties, even at this age, still allow her to listen to music with clarity. Her father, K. Ramachandra Iyer, was a schoolteacher who arranged home tuition for her up to the eighth standard. A music lover, he also decided to teach his daughter the violin. Vaithilingam Pillai regularly visited their spacious, old Thanjavur-style house — still preserved by her family — to give her lessons. On the wall of the house hangs a photograph of a curious four-year-old Meenakshi. The musical atmosphere in her home — as her aunts and four sisters would sing — worked in her favour, and she quickly picked up the violin. Music seems to have sustained her throughout her life. However, she rarely had the opportunity to attend live concerts or perform. 'I attended only two concerts — one by D.K. Pattammal and another by Chembai — organised in connection with the annual celebrations at the school where my father worked,' she said. She was married to Subramanian, who moved to Mathirimangalam to be with her. 'He was also interested in music because he was a relative of the vocalist and musicologist Dr. S. Ramanathan,' she said. She went on to play a few of her late husband's favourite songs, which included Brocheva in Khamas, Sakalakalavaniye in Kedaram, Ennaga Rama Bhajana in Pantuvarali, and Bharathiyar's Chinnanchiru Kiliye. She still keeps the violin with which she first started playing — it is now 80 years old. 'Once, during a bout of rain, it was damaged, and my brother repaired it in Chennai. She used to play a great deal — now hardly an hour a day because of her age,' said M.S. Ganesan, her son. He added that his elder brother, Jaganmohan, now living in Chennai, is well-versed in the nuances of Carnatic music. 'She regularly watches Carnatic music programmes on Sankara TV. She wakes up very early in the morning and starts watching. She is very sharp and quickly learns new keerthanas,' said Sankarai, her daughter-in-law.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
Day-long music event today in Bengaluru
The Samatva Foundation is set to celebrate its anniversary with a full day of classical music performances on Sunday at the Aksharam Auditorium, Girinagar. The celebration will begin with a morning concert from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., featuring the acclaimed Carnatic duo Bangalore Brothers — Hariharan M.B. and Ashok S. They will be accompanied by Vaibhav Ramani on violin, Vinod Shyam Anoor on mridangam, and Anirudh Athreya on kanjira. The afternoon session, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., will spotlight emerging talents in a special junior concert. Young artistes Pranavi Guruprasanna, Achuyuth M. Athreya, Nagendra Prasad S.P., and Pranav S. Balakrishna. The event will culminate with a performance from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., featuring veena virtuoso Ramana Balachandran, supported by Arjun Kumar on mridangam and Vazhappally R. Krishnakumar on ghatam.
