Well-known Kuchipudi and Vilasini Natyam dancer Anupama Kylash organised a three-day event to celebrate Annamacharya by launching her book The Nayikas of Annamacharya , Jeeva Nayika, a dance presentation and a panel discussion. The event was held at Saptaparni last week.
‘Jeeva Nayika’, who’s Alamelu Manga was described as ‘Sweeya Proudha’ (mature) ‘Swadheenapatika Nayika’, also revelling in her husband’s love. In presenting these traits, Anupama used the kirtana of Annamacharya Etuvanti Mohamo Intha Napai Athaniki rendered by her Sakhi, friend of the Nayika. The kirtana lauds Vishnu for saving Gajendra from a crocodile as described in ‘Gajendra Moksham’ sequence that helped the dancer to present abhinaya in detail. Then it was the turn of Nayika to praise grace and beauty of her Lord narrated in the song Naa Ramanuni Choodare Nalimaakshulaala . While presenting the two characters of Nayika and Sakhi, Anupama presented the heroine in Vilasini style of dance and when it was the turn of Sakhi she used Kuchipudi system of expression.
In another segment Anupama came out with different states of ‘viraha’, experienced by the Nayika expressed in the kirtana of Annamayya Valapula Daadi Vacche Vanitalaaraa .
This too gave enough space for the dancer to present graceful abhinaya playing up how the lord of Love ‘Manmadha’ troubled Nayika, the heroine. There were many more imageries imbedded in that kirtana. There was another song Chaalu Chaalu Vaadu Leni Janmamelaa of different tenor filled with Nayika’s reminiscences. Here too Anupama applied two dance styles presenting this time Vilasini in Mezuvani style with dancer squatting on the floor presenting theme in abhinaya, which is called ‘Suddha Lasyam’.
Later Anupama brought in three songs depicting ‘Samaanya Naika’ in the song Kannavaaride Kaadaa Kandikudumannamaata , depicting intelligent Samanya Nayika who uses intricate web of words intelligently to convince the hero. Vilasini style suited this part. It carries all the characteristics of a Javali. Dandanunna Chelulamindaramu Saakshi The final segment of the dance ballet brought in the heroine called ‘Parakeeya Abhisarika’ that began with another slokam from the same ‘Rasamanjari’. Kondalalo Koyila Kooya reflected the nayika called ‘Abhisarika’. She craves to meet her lover, her lord, for a union. It ends on a philosophical note called ‘Tattvam’ where; the bhakta seeks oneness with Lord.
The ballet was presented to pre-recorded music with prime singer Swetha Prasad rendering the songs with right import of sahitya. Renuka Prasad was the nattuvanar.
Sridharachraya on mridangam, Phani on veena and Venkatesh on flute were the accompanists. Concept, visualisation and choreography were by Anupama Kylash.
