Neelima R. Kakarlapudi won many laurels as a well-grounded and evolved exponent of Kuchipudi. She had performed all over the country for about five years in the company of her great guru Padmabhushan Vempati China Satyam who wielded the cymbals, before she settled in the US for advanced studies in genetics in early 2006.
Visakha Music and Dance Academy organised a solo recital by her at Kalabharathi last Tuesday as she was here on a visit to see her parents. Showing no signs of dithering due lack of full-scale practice, Neelima presented a fully fledged performance in strict adherence to the traditional format. Getting off to an absorbing start with the composition Tandava Nrityakari Gajanana (Rajamalika- Aditalam), she presented Bhamakalapam including the Lekha episode followed by Sakunaalu Manchivaayene song (Ragamalika - Misrachaapu). She brought out the classicism embedded in every movement and moment of Abhinaya in the choreography with aplomb and she delighted all. Next, she presented Tarangam Neelameghasareera (Ragamalika), Kshetrayya padam (hardly presented now a days), Yetuvantivaade Veedu Kalyani Misrachaapu and finally a Thillana in the raga Putrika. Young disciples (Maithili, Gayatri and Sannidha) of Hari Rama Murty, the principal of the local Kuchipudi Kalakshetra (established by Vempati) expertly provided nattuvangam for Neelima, and delightfully presented Dasavathara sabdam and an Adhyatma Ramayana keerthana in between. Melodious vocals by Shanthi in the expert company of Kanthilal on mridangam, Satyavishal on violin and T. Atchutha Rao on flute contributed grandeur. Make-up by Sudha was excellent.
