Bharatanatyam exponent Madhuna-panthula Ramya Kaumudi is the daughter of guru M. Rajya Lakshmi who inherited the Vijayanagaram style known for swiftness, modulations and clear expression. Rajya Lakshmi seems to have transferred these traits to her daughter Ramya who holds a Diploma in Dance and certificate in Carnatic vocal from Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University. A recipient of CCRT scholarship, Ramya presented her Bharatanatyam show at CCRT open air auditorium, Hyderabad.
Ramya’s very first number Vatapi Ganapthim Bhaje of Dikshitar in Hamsadhwani revealed how she goes for the numbers in detail, striking postures to all the deeds and persona of Vinayaka. This show being set in margam, Ramya then came out with nritta based alarippu, laying emphasis on body language with footwork matching nattuvangam. Incidentally, the show was presented to a pre-recorded music. The jati presentation was precise in panchanada talas — tisra, chaturasra, khanda, misra and sankeerna.
Thodai Mangalam that followed brought in certain elements of abhinaya for it was prayer to Srirama. This was written by Purandara Dasa in whose dream Vishnu said to have appeared as Lord Rama, as per his wish. The kirtana was set in ragamalika and taalamaalika.
Jatiswaram was Ramya’s next number of Tanjore quartet, with nritta base. It was compendium of jatis to musical notes too. Jatiswaram has a particular structure wherein Pallavi is repeated several times. The skilful presentation was set in vachaspati, roopaka talam.
Ramya then took up the major piece of Bharatanatyam, varnam, of Muthaiah Bhagavatar in khamas, showcasing nritta, nritya, abhinaya, natya, lasya and drama. Tandava too was added in thematic presentation, bringing out many emotions. In this varnam, Ramya depicted the story of how Meenakshi wed Sundareshwara and the role played by childless king Malayadhwaja Pandya, who was blessed with a child, Meenakshi. This was set to khamas. Ramya went through higher order jatis with alacrity. Later she presented Siva Sthuthi Bho Sambho Siva Sambho of Dayananda Saraswathi set in Revathi. The story presents some deeds of Siva to save devotees. Devi Sthuti that Ramya presented later highlighted the killing of demon Mahishasura assuming the avatara of Mahakali. This was set in ragamalika.
Ramya then came out with a padam Indendu Vachitivira featuring a Khandita Nayika who believes her husband has been was courting another woman. This was set to Surati.
Ramya also presented abhinaya to Thyagaraja composition Nagumomu Ganaleni in abheri and gave detailed expression for all the characters that rolled in this theme. A tillana of Balamurali in Brindavana and Kuravanji in folk idiom ended the show.
