Dr. V. Raghavan Centre for performing Arts celebrated the scholar’s 104th birth anniversary at The Dakshinamurthy Auditorium, P.S. High School, Mylapore, with a book release and Bharatanatyam performance. The release of ‘Srngara Manjari’ by Akbar Shah, edited by Dr. V. Raghavan, was the highlight of the first part of the function.
The book was released by P.S. Sachu, member secretary, Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Manram and the first copy was received by Anupama Kylash, scholar and exponent of Vilasini Natyam. In her speech, the latter explained that the importance of this work lay in the fact that it was done by a noted Muslim linguist, saint–philosopher Akbar Shah also known as Bada Akbar who lived in the latter half of the 17 century and died young.
“The original script of ‘Srngara Manjari’ was discovered by Dr. V. Raghavan in 1943 who then published it along with an exhaustive introduction, comprehensive explanation and critical commentary. The book describes nine different nayikas in varying stages of love. Details about the author, the title and descriptions of the earlier texts of references are provided,” Anupama said commending trustee Nandini Ramani for bringing out the present edition.
It was also brought to notice that the present edition contained updated information and critical analysis of the Sanskrit text by Dr. V. Raghavan over the decades since 1943, till his death. Chief guest Chitra Visveswaran explained how she had benefited from reading the works of the late scholar while Pramila Gurumurthy, musicologist and Head of Music Department, Madras University, touched upon various facets of the subject in her talk.
Veteran musician and senior musicologist B. Krishnamurthy was honoured on completion of his 80 birthday.
Lively presentation
The book release was followed by a Bharatanatyam recital of nine gifted dancers. ‘Nayika Vilasam,’ choreographed and compered by Nandini Ramani was a lively presentation where slokas from the ‘Srngara Manjari’ describing the heroines were followed by excerpts from Tamil padams. With vocal inputs of V. Sumitra, in recorded form, adding to the live orchestral team led by singer Chitrambari, the evening was a mellifluous combination of melody and mood.
