Vishnudev Namboodri, disciple of P.S. Narayanaswamy, and Ranjani Sivkumar, disciple of Pantula Rama, gave heart-warming performances in Pollachi, under the auspices of Pollachi Tamizhisai Sangam. They were among the up-and-coming artists selected and sponsored by Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nadaga Mandram, Chennai, along with N. Purushothaman (nagaswaram) and Kiran Rajagopalan (Bharatanatyam).
Vishnudev began with ‘Sri Ganesha Charanam’ in Thillang by Papanasam Sivan. His delightful Dhanyasi alapana was again followed by Sivan’s ‘Vaanee Arul Purivaay.’
He dealt with two of the most popular ragas, Kalyani and Thodi, and presented ‘Kanden Kali Theernthen’ by Gopalakrishna Bharati and ‘Karthikeya Gangeya.’
His raga delineation and swarakalpanas showed considerable maturity. Intricate swara phrases poured out with ease, showcasing his rigorous training. Durai Srinivasan (violin), T. Bharadwaj (mridangam) and V. Thirumurugan (morsing) lent good support.
Ranjani Sivkumar made an impressive beginning with the Abhogi varnam ‘Thanjam Endraale’ by Papanasam Sivan and proceeded with ‘Sri Vignaraajam Bhaje’ in Gambhira Nattai, another stunner.
‘Kadaikkann Vaithennai Aalamma’ in Begada by Ramaswamy Sivan was a real treat. She presented Begada, Amrithavarshini and Hemavathi elaborately, bringing out the lovely nuances of the ragas.
With a soft and pliable voice, she could deliver briga-filled sangatis and swara phrases with ease.
Unfazed by an unexpected power failure, she continued with her depiction of Amritha Varshini and sang, ‘Ennai Nee Maravaadhe’ by Dandapani Desikar. The central piece, ‘Sri Kanthimathim,’ by Dikshitar and the thani that followed were truly enjoyable. Ranjani included three pieces from Thiruppugazh, ‘Thullumada Vetkai,’ ‘Karipuraari Kaamaari’ and ‘Kaaranamadhaagavandhu,’ bringing out her ardent love for the rhythmic beauties. Sumesh S. Narayanan on the mridangam and A.L. Mahesh Kumar on the ghatam shared a good camaraderie and enhanced the performance.
On the previous day, N. Purushothaman, accompanied by M.A. Hemaraj, gave a nagaswaram performance. He was supported on the thavil by T.C.B. Prabhu and T.K. Bharath Kumar.
Following that, Kiran Rajagopalan , disciple of A. Lakshmanan, presented a Bharatanatyam performance under the nattuvangam of A. Lakshmanan.
The orchestra comprised Chithrambari Krishnakumar (vocal support), Guru Bharadwaj (mridangam) and Srilakshmi Venkataramani (violin).