Inaugural Day "Visesha Kala Poshakam Utsav" - 2014

Memorable Moments…

The “Mylapore Trio” of Sri Sumukhi Rajasekharan Memorial Foundation conducted its 8th Year “Visesha Kala Poshakam Utsav” - International Art Festival for Dance, in Mylapore. It was a 7 day Festival from 20th to 26th January 2014, (Evenings) at Narada Gana Sabha (Mini Hall), Chennai. Artists across India gave dazzling performances all through the week. As The “Mylapore Trio” felt the need to expose the talents of many unsung heroes outside Chennai, there was a confluence of various dance forms of India viz., Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam & Vilasini Natyam all under one roof – a posse of colourful flowers and bouquets. Smt. Saranya Srivatsan was the Guest of Honour. She applauded the earnest efforts of the “Mylapore Trio” in promoting culture across India and Abroad and wished the Utsav a grand success. Incidentally she is the niece of Late Smt. Sumukhi, in whose name the Foundation is established.

On the inaugural day, the first performance was by Chinmaya Hegde from Mysore who gave a vibrant Bharatanatyam performance. This was followed by an energetic Kuchipudi performance by Anupama Bhushan from Banglore.

Second day of the Utsav triggered with an Odissi performance by Ajay Shendge from Aurangabad, which was subtle and expressive. Next was Ipshita Rajesh from Mumbai, presented a Solo Thematic Ramayanam with multi-lingual verses and dialogues, which won accolade.

Third day of the Festival started with a subtle Mohiniyattam performance by Rekha Raju from Banglore, was soothing with the graceful and gentle movements with a brilliant live Orcheastration. This was followed by a vibrant Kathak by Nitin Shirale from Aurangabad, whose performance was excellent with the exciting footwork and movements of Kathak. Who also presented the repertoire in traditional & modern method of dressing.

Fourth day of the Festival started with a multi lingual soul stirring Carnatic vocal concert by Dr.Sharan from Banglore. This was followed by a vibrant and pulsating Mohiniyattam demonstrating Lasya (female) genre and an effervescent Bharathanatyam performance representing Tandava (male) genre by Sugathan Mohandass - a rare performance of two dance styles by male artist. Next was a vivacious Bharatanatyam recital by Divya Ravi from Banglore showcased an enthusiastic performance. Her selection of items was brilliant and received a great applause from the audience.

Fifth day started with a Mohiniyattam repertoire by Akhila Krishnan from Kerala, was fantastic with the special swaying movements of the art form and was distinct. This was followed by a Vilasini Natyam by Poojita Krishna Jyoti from Secundrabad, was graceful and excellent with Nritta pieces. Her Padham was unusual, by sitting on floor and expressing. She is one of the very few artists who perform Vilasini Natyam in India. It is a very rare and different dance style which is not promoted much. We are happy to have given her an opening to expose this art form in Chennai. It was indeed a rare opportunity to watch such a distinct dance, which is being revived of late.

Sixth day started with an Odissi performance by Sonali Mishra from USA, was graceful in Abhinaya with delicate movements. This was followed by a Kuchipudi performance by Sree Veena Mani from New Delhi, which was energetic with a Tharangam piece too.

On the final day of the Festival, Gauri Swakul from Pune presented a vibrant and neat Kathak performance. This was followed by a Bharatanatyam performance by Uma Govind from Kerala, which was fascinating, enthralling.

The “Mylapore Trio” provided a free platform for all the artists and opened up new avenues for them, by giving a golden opportunity for their maiden performance in Chennai. There were totally fourteen gems like performers from USA, New Delhi, Bombay, Pune, Bangalore, Mysore, Secundrabad, Kerala etc. The weeklong Utsav was a spiritual journey visiting all the holy places, worshipping great Gods like “Padmanabha, Panduranga, Meenakshi, Jaganath, Rama, Krishna, Shiva through the Keerthanams, Javalis, Padams, Varnams, Thillanas by the Damsels. The Trio emphasized the importance of Spirituality & Bakthi through these Art Forms & at the same time stressed the need to promote Cultural History. Indeed it was a spectacular treat to the eyes, ears and soul of the Rasikas. Altogether it was a “Bhaarata Natya Utsav”. On this occasion 300 Children from kids to teens, who participated in 16 competitions based on the theme ‘Mylapore Mahatmiyam’ under three categories viz., Performing Arts, Fine Arts, Academic Arts in the 12th Year “Marghazhi Bala Utsavam” received their Prizes, Medals, Certificates and Special Prizes from the seasoned Performers on all these 7 days. These children were trained to be the young Rasikas to witness these spectacular dances, which was a feast to all the young minds.