The “Mylapore Trio”
Amarnath, Surendranath, Aparna & Sugathan (Kalakshetra Alumni and Cultural
Ambassadors of Mylapore) and Members of Sri Sumukhi Rajasekharan Memorial
Foundation conducted the 14th Year Spectacular “Visesha Kala Poshakam Utsav” -
International Art Festival for Dance in Mylapore. It was a 3-day Natya Utsav
from 1st to 3rd February, 2020 at Narada Gana Sabha, Chennai. The “Mylapore
Trio” & Sugathan felt the need to expose the talents of many unsung heroes
outside India & Abroad and hence provided a FREE PLATFORM to them.
Six Dancers including
one Foreigner from India and abroad gave Solo Performances and most of them
were First Timers to perform in Chennai. The Trio and Sugathan have been
instrumental in giving them an opening in Chennai. The Natya Utsav was a
confluence of various dance forms of India viz., Bharatanatyam, Odissi,
Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam & Kathak, all under One Roof – a posse of colourful
Flowers and Bouquets. On all 3 days Sugathan presented the Programme
enthusiastically & passionately. All Foundation Members were
present in Colourful Traditional Attire, with a colour scheme for every day.
On the First day, the
first performance was by Karishma Ahuja from Bangalore gave a brilliant
Odissi recital. Her Tribhangas & Postures were commendable. This was
followed by an energetic Bharathanatyam performance by Sofia Gozalez Herrador
from Argentina. She performed "Mohanmaana En Meedhil" - Bhairavi
Varnam, a Choreography of Smt. Sarada Hoffman of Kalakshetra, where the Nayika
Bhavam was beautifully portrayed.
Second day of
the Natya Utsav started with a Mohiniyattam recital by Satya Jeyadev from
Alleppey was interesting. Her subtle movements and abhinaya in Ashtapadi were
attractive. Next was Laxminarayan Jena from Bangalore, presented a Kathak
performance which was authentic, traditional and he presented both Banarsi
& Mughal styles (dance & costume) of Kathak, which was remarkable. He
gave a fascinating view on the Hindu & Mughal styles of Kathak.
On the Final day of
the Natya Utsav, Swati Jakhmola from Uttarakhand presented a stunning Odissi
recital. Her Shankarabaranam Pallavi was with intricate and composite
movements, which enthralled the audience. The final performer of the Utsav was
Anuradha Roy from Kolkata gave a sparkling Kuchipudi performance with much
celebrated Tharangam. Her dedication towards the Art-Form reflected in the
"Govardhana Giri Dhara" - Tharangam.
This Natya Utsav provided a golden opportunity for the Artists for their Maiden
performance in Chennai. All the Artists were honoured with a Certificate of
Appreciation by the Foundation. They all presented themselves with gorgeous
relevant costumes and jewelry representing their Dance Form. The dance items of
these Artists were exceptionally good which were very vibrant and made the
Rasikas always sit erect. The Big Audience Crowd included Men, Women and
Foreign Nationals, apart from many Children from Pre-Kg to College level. These
young Rasikas were exposed for the first time to such different dance forms and
were amazed to watch the Artists with awe. The hall full crowd was a Big
Surprise to the Dancers which boosted them to perform with much more enthusiasm
and vigour.
