On March 23, Saraswathie Hall in Colombo exuded an atmosphere of cultural richness and artistic brilliance as artist, Janarajani Rasendran Malalagama, presented the solo bharatanatyam recital “Natya Samarpana.”.
The evening unfolded with a prayer song, a melodic invocation that set the stage for an immersive experience. As the music filled the air, anticipation mingled with reverence, signalling the beginning of a transformative journey.
The recital commenced with the vibrant invocation, “Ananda Narthana Ganapathim,” composed by Uthukadu Venkatasubbaiyar. This joyful composition, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, set the tone for the evening’s festivities. Choreographed by Dr. Jyolsana Menon and accompanied by the soulful vocals of Sri. K. Hariprasad, the performance unfolded as a dynamic ode to the remover of obstacles, with Janarajani embodying the exuberance and grace of the deity.
Transitioning seamlessly into “Abirami Andathi,” a timeless composition praising the goddess Abirami, the recital delved into the depths of devotion and reverence. The piece, composed by Abirami Pattar, showcased the emotive intensity of devotion through intricate choreography by Dr. Jyolsana Menon. Janarajani’s movements, coupled with the melodious rendition, transported the audience into a realm of divine bliss.
As the evening progressed, the performance journeyed into the realm of “Enpalli Kondeer Aiya Sri Ranganada,” a poetic tribute to Lord Sri Ranganada written by Arunachala Kavirayar. Through eloquent verses and expressive movements, Janarajani paid homage to the divine attributes of Lord Ranganatha, evoking a sense of spiritual transcendence among the audience. Choreographed by Saradha Hoffman, this piece resonated with reverence and devotion.
The keynote address by Chief Guest Prof. Ankuran Dutta the Director of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre at the High Commission of India in Colombo, added a layer of intellectual depth to the evening, shedding light on the cultural significance of Bharatanatyam and its enduring impact on society.
To honour the musicians whose contributions enriched the recital, the audience was introduced to an ensemble of Indian artists, each a virtuoso in their own right. Dr. Jyolsana Menon’s rhythmic expertise on Nattuvangam, K. Hariprasad’s soulful vocals, Sriganesh’s percussive mastery on mridangam, Eashwar Ramakrishnan’s melodic prowess on violin, and V.K. Sivakumar’s flute melodies elevated each performance.
Undoubtedly, the highlight of the evening was the poignant portrayal of Padam “Manchi Dinamu,” a heartfelt expression of love and longing. Choreographed by Rukmini Devi and set to music by Kshethragyar, this piece resonated with emotional intensity and beauty. Smt. Janarajani Rasendran Malalagama’s nuanced expressions and fluid movements transported the audience to a realm of profound emotion and artistic expression.
The performance then continued with “Ashtapathi Sanchara Dadara Suda”, featuring music composed by Bagavathulu Sri Sita Rama. This composition vividly portrayed a scene from the life of Lord Krishna, where he engages in playful love with the gopikas in the forest. Choreographed by Smt. Krishnaveni Lakshman, this piece celebrated the divine love between Krishna and Radha, captivating the audience with its beauty and grace.
Subsequently the evening was followed up with a performance of “Javali” titled ‘Era rara,’ set to music composed by Dharmapuri Subbaraayar. Choreographed by Smt. Rukmini Devi, this captivating piece portrayed the passionate plea of a heroine, imploring Krishna to accept her love. With graceful movements and emotive expressions, Smt. Janarajani Rasendran Malalagama brought the Javali to life, enchanting the audience with its poignant narrative and artistic beauty.
As the recital drew to a close with the vibrant Thillana, the audience found themselves enveloped in a whirlwind of rhythmic exuberance and joyous celebration. With hearts full of gratitude and minds enriched by the cultural immersion they had experienced, attendees bid farewell to “Natya Samarpana,” carrying with them memories that would linger for years to come.
The “Natya Samarpana” was a celebration of custom, spirituality, and artistic expression that transcended the boundaries of performance art. Through her masterful performances, Smt. Janarajani Rasendran Malalagama not only showcased the timeless beauty of Bharatanatyam but also left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to witness her artistry.
