That was the time, the very first time in the early 50s, when my grandmother Smt. Yadugiri Devi took me to see Balasaraswati’s Bharatanatyam. I was young and a Bharatanatyam dancer myself. When I saw Balasaraswati, I was in awe of her stately presence — tall figure, long arms, beautiful gestures, her striking abhinaya and much more — her singing — what a melodious voice! I really wanted to see more of her and I did watch her performances during the Madras Festival Season, and everytime she seemed to evolve.
Bala’s Bharatanatyam rose to a high standard and extreme refinement of hereditary practice. The ancient theme of Sringara was her forte. Her artistry to portray divine love or Bhakti Sringara tradition was outstanding, without any bawdy or overdone, vulgar elements, if I may say so. Balamma always kept the aesthetics and dignity to express the love-laden lyrics in which the soul yearns for union with the Almighty. She brought out the spiritual awareness in all those who watched her dance. She was able to take her audiences into a totally different realm of sublimity.
Lakshmi’s Bombay recital
My personal interaction with Balamma came when I was pregnant. I was not in a position to dance. I thought of Balamma’s daughter Lakshmi and proposed her name to two Sabhas in Bombay. I spoke to Balamma about it. She was thrilled and readily agreed since I was taking the responsibility. Then I talked to the organiser of Bharatiya Music and Fine Arts and Mr. Soli Batliwala, an eminent art lover and renowned organiser about Lakshmi’s dance.
They welcomed the idea and it did not take very long for Lakshmi to give two fine dance recitals in Bombay. I personally saw to it that Balamma, Lakshmi and the musicians were taken good care of and that everything went well. Lakshmi danced beautifully and received good response. Balamma was so happy.
I invited them home for coffee and a special diet snack for Balamma, owing to her ill health. Then Balamma, Lakshmi and I had a long chat. Balamma expressed her happiness and gratitude to me for having taken so much pain and time to arrange Lakshmi’s performances. I said to her that it was nothing but my humble contribution to such an icon — the Legendry Balamma and Lakshmi’s dance.
I must mention the most unforgettable moment before they left. Balamma told me that my Bharatanatyam was good and spiritual and to keep it up. Coming from her, it sounded like the divine voice of Goddess Saraswati herself. What a blessing indeed!
