The solo Bharatanatyam Rangapravesha of 14-year-old Kumari
Mahati Ananth, “Nritya Anantha – Mahati Nūpura Nāda”, presented by Shailusham
Arts & Creations® at ADA Rangamandira, was a celebration of classical dance
enriched by originality, musical experimentation and expressive storytelling.
A disciple of Vidwan Ananth Vikram, Mahati demonstrated
impressive command over rhythm, abhinaya and stage presentation, reflecting
more than a decade of dedicated training. The recital stood out for several
unique concepts. An original composition titled Shailusham Sheershike Geete,
set in the specially composed raga Mahati and Adi tala, was a musical tribute
to the young dancer. Mahati's recitation of jatis and participation in rhythmic
jugalbandi added an unusual and engaging dimension to the performance.
A particularly memorable moment came during the Varnam, Sri
Krishna Kamalanatho, when Ananth Vikram, who was simultaneously handling vocals
and nattuvangam, joined his daughter on stage as Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita
sequence. The father-daughter and Guru-Shishya presentation was a rare and
moving artistic collaboration. The voice behind the Bhagavad gita was rendered
ably by Vid. Bharadwaj Dayanidhi.
The popular composition Tamburi Meetidava was creatively
presented as an interactive Vittala bhajan-style musical jam in Sindhu
Bhairavi, drawing the audience into the performance.
The repertoire featured a Pushpanjali in Saraswati raga with
a Ganesha composition, Ranjani Mala in Ranjani ragamalika and Kalinga Narthana
Tillana in Gambheera Nata. The live ensemble comprised Vidwan Ananth Vikram
(vocals and nattuvangam), Karnataka Kalashree Vidwan G. Gurumurthy (mridangam),
Karnataka Kalashree Vidwan H.S. Venugopal (flute), Vidwan Subramanya Hegde
(sitar) and Vidwan Arun Kumar (rhythm pads).
Senior dance exponent Guru Vidushi Dr. Soundarya Srivathsa
appreciated the artistic excellence of the presentation, while Sri Hayagreeva
Achar, Secretary of Sri Jnanakshi Vidyaniketan, lauded Mahati's dedication,
expression and commitment to dance over the past decade. Anusha, a gifted
singer associated with Samarthanam Trust, highlighted Ananth Vikram's
remarkable versatility across vocals, nattuvangam and dance.
Nritya Anantha was ultimately a celebration of artistic
discipline, creative thinking and the enduring Guru–Shishya tradition, leaving
the audience with a memorable experience of Bharatanatyam in an innovative
presentation.