Noticeable stage presence and confidence marked the Bharatanatyam performance by Uma Govind at Bharath Bhavan, in the capital city. Uma started her recital with a Ganeshstuthi in raga Atana set to Adi tala, offering prayers to Lord Ganesha.
This was followed by a varnam, the piece-de-resistance of the evening. Set to raga Bhairavi in Roopaka tala, the beautiful item was composed by Ponnayya Pillai and choreographed by the dancer’s guru, V. Mythili. The story revolved around the nayika’s appeals to Lord Shiva, residing at Mount Kailasa, to join her. The varnam gave the dancer scope to depict her lovelorn state on being separated from her beloved. Uma performed with controlled movements and her foot work was remarkable. The piece was adorned with interesting imagery and jathis, thanks to the fine choreography.
The dancer moved on to a Javali composed by Dharmapuri Subbarayar. Set to Kapi in Roopaka tala, this was again an opportunity for the danseuse to explore the nuances of the story with commendable abhinaya. The popular Kavadi chinthu ‘Vallikanavan perai vazhipokkan sonnalum’ set to Chenchurutti raga in Adi tala followed. The nayika’s excitement on hearing the name of Lord Muruga was enacted with a great deal of charm. The recital concluded with a Ramachandraya mangalam. Mythili supported the danseuse with nattuvangam. The recital was organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.
