As I watched the lady sitting next to me wipe her tears while watching Dr. Vyjayanthimala Bali depict the scene of Jatayu Moksham with Rama performing the last rites, I realised that this is the true purpose of art. To communicate with and take the audience with you; to be so involved in your art that the viewer is drawn into the drama. That evening, as the veteran dancer premiered her new production, ‘Nava Vida Bhakti’ at Bharat Kalachar, there were quite a in the audience, sniffling and nodding in deep appreciation. And most in the nearly packed auditorium did not stir till the last act.
Vyjayanthimala’s production revolved round the theme of showcasing love and respect for Lord Rama through the characters Valmiki, Sita, Lakshmana, Bharata, Sabari, Jatayu, Sugreeva, Vibishana and Hanuman. Whether it was depicting Valmiki’s transformation from hunter to saint or Sabari’s maternal affection, or Bharata placing Rama’s padukas on the throne, or Hanuman preferring to stay on earth and hear ‘Rama nama japa,’ the dancer could slip into any role with an ease that comes with years of experience and more than anything else, feeling.
Covering the entire stage, leaping, squatting and even prostrating, Vyjayanthinmala ensured the rasikas forgot that they were watching an 80-year-old on stage! There’s a lesson here for young and up and coming dancers on dedication, determination and devotion to dance.
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