The Mylapore Trio - Amarnath, Surendranath, Aparna (Kalakshetra Alumni
& Cultural Ambassadors of Mylapore) Celebrated the 120th Birth Anniversary
of the Legend Smt.Rukmini Devi on Sunday, 25th February 2024. The Trio
organised a "Natya Samarpanam" in SUMUKHAM Terrace at their Residence
in R.A. Puram. This which was a Brilliant Performance of Thyagaraja Pancharatnam
by Seasoned Bharatanatyam Dancers of "Kalakshetra Baani" - Varsha
Akhouri, Gopukiran, Ashin Kiran and Vidyalakshmi led by Veteran Gayatri the
Daughter and Disciple of Krishnaveni Lakshmanan (Eternal Sita of Kalakshetra
Productions). The Mylapore Trio has been conducting Thygaraja Aradhana for the
past 22 years in Memory of Smt. Sumukhi on her Remembrance day. The Programme
began with a Pillayar paatu... The Mylapore Trio welcomed the audience and
Gayatri introduced the Co-Artists and the Event began...
Gayatri's Stunning Performance for "Jagadananda Karaka" and
"Sadhinchene" was extremely Vibrant and Brilliant. Her Bhaava was
immersed in Bhakti and Abhinaya was par excellence. She presented a holistic
"Natya Virundhu" through her Soul Stirring Dance...
Vidyalakshmi did her best for "Dudugu gala". It was her maiden
attempt to perform for a Pancharatnam... which reflected her earnest
efforts to imbibe the meaning of the lyrics.
Varsha's "Kanakana Ruchira" was soaked in "Poorna
Bhakthi". Her Soulful rendition had no parallel... Her Devotion reflected
the ethos of bhakti bhava in pristine purity...
"Endaro Mahanubhavulu" by the Dance Duo was amazing and
exuberant with the Live Orchestration. Both Gopukiran and his wife Ashin
created waves... The Couple gave a lively & energetic presentation for
Endaro...
The Live Orchestra was Simply Superb... The mellifluous voice of Young
Akash was blended with bhakthi rasa... Though a maiden attempt... he stole the
show. Kalamamdalam Vishnu Prasad made the audience electrifying and energetic
through his expertise on Mridangam, which gave a vigour to the audience.
Anandhu Lal's Violin made vibes... He added flavour and fragrance to the
enchanting music. Gayatri's Nattuvangam was exhilarating and lively... The
Grand finale of "Endaro" enthralled one and all - icing on the
cake...
The Spectacular dance ended with the ever popular Mangalam
"Pavamana Suthudu Pattu" with all dancers offering floral tributes to
Lord Rama, Saint Thyagaraja and Rukmini Devi.
The Mylapore Trio set the stage artistically at the SUMUKHAM TERRACE.
The backdrop was covered with "Korai Paai" (Mats) reflecting a native
touch and a Sync with nature. "Sumukham Kalakshetram" banner with 2
vintage photographs of Trio with Rukmini Devi calling it... "Old is Gold".
On either side the statue of Lord Rama with Sangeetha Mummurthies and Photo of
Smt. Rukmini Devi decorated with Traditional Thanjavur Hamsa Lamps added
Divinity and Cultural flavour and a Traditional touch to the Divine ambience.
The Mylapore Trio Conceptualised and Created A Mini KALAKSHETRAM at SUMUKHAM
Terrace which reminded of the Open Air Theatre (Rukmini Arangam).
The Mylapore Trio shared their Old Golden Memories with Rukmini Devi and
Kalakshetra. They shared nostalgic thoughts soaked in emotions. Trio said
because of their Foster Mother Sumukhi Amma (who was the Principal in Charge of
BASSSchool, Kalakshetra) they had the opportunity to have Full Time Education
and Part-Time Dance and Music at their Alma-mater. Trio has also created an
Endowment in Kalakshetra in their Foster Parents Name (Sri Sumukhi
Rajasekharan) during their Birth Centenary some years back.
Trio honoured the Dancers and Musicians with a Ponaadai and a Glass
Painting and also thanked Gayatri for arranging, coordinating and presenting a
Visual Treat to One and All at Trio's request. The Five Artists thanked the
Trio for the golden opportunity to perform on this Historic occasion and also
Gayatri for selecting them for the memorable occasion. The artists felt it was
like "Dancing in Kalakshetra '' and really felt emotional and choked
listening to Trio's Kalakshetra Experiences... The day's Chief Guest -
Smt.Vasundra Thomas a Dance Doyen of yester years from Kalakshetra and a Close
associate of Rukmini Devi blessed all of us... She recalled her decades long
association with Trio from their childhood. She was glad to attend Athai's
120th Birthday organised by the Trio at Sumukham Kalakshetram rather than at
Kalakshetra itself.
Our Special Guest Shri.Murali Son of Smt.Krishnaveni Lakshmanan was
thrilled to be here and paid encomiums to Athai. He coined an Innovative Term -
"ASA" Brand Name (Amar Suren Aparna) Synonymous to ISI Mark for their
impeccable Service to Tradition and Culture. The SUMUKHAM Terrace was Full to
the brim with Dancers, Musicians, Connoisseurs, Rasikas and the like...
The Grand Event concluded with a traditional sumptuous dinner to all the
80 Guests. Pineapple Kesari, Vathakuzhambu Saadham, Beans Carrot Curry, Thayir
Saadham, Lemon Pickle and Potato Chips... all served in traditional paakumara
thattu. Mylapore Trio offered the guests "Kannukku Virundhu",
"Sevikku Virundhu", "Vayitrukkum Virundhu" (Feast for Eyes,
Feast for Ears and Finally Feast for Stomach too).
The Guests opined that they were engrossed in the Ethnically Spectacular
Ambience, Emotionally charged in the Scintillating Dance and Music by
Remembering Rukmini Devi... tears rolled down their eyes with the Unparalleled
Divine Experience at the "SUMUKHAM KALAKSHETRAM".
Varsha's "Kanakana Ruchira" was soaked in "Poorna Bhakthi"...
