1st Day of 14th Year "Visesha Kala Poshakam Utsav" 2020

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.