In sync with the lord

Keeping in mind the necessity to bring the common masses closer to the Indian traditions and culture and to ensure that the rich Indian Heritage is preserved for generations to come, Padmabhushan awardees Raja Radha Reddy and Natya Tarangini recently organised Parampara Series: Festival of Music & Dance at Natya Tarangini Performing Arts Centre most recently in the national capital.

The highlights of the evening included acts by accomplished artists such as Padma Vibhushan Pandit Chhannulal Mishra, Pandit Sanjeev Abhyankar, and danseuse Poushali Chatterjee.

When Raja Radha Reddy ran away from home and came to Delhi, he never thought that he would become a great dancer. Acclaimed Kuchipudi exponent, guru, choreographer and curator, Kaushalya Reddy recalls, “Our whole family is into dancing and the only thing we understand is dance, music and art. And the best way to celebrate all these is Maha Shivratri, i.e. Lord Shiva: The Lord of Dance. So we really wanted to celebrate this festival as an ode to Lord Shiva.”

Considering finances as the only and core challenge as an artist and curator for this recital, Kaushalya feels that the Indian classical artists in India are underpaid. “There are many aspects in that are not going in favour of the classical art. People who believe in them (Indian classical forms) and are dedicating their lives to these art forms. If you don’t pay them enough money then how they are going to survive? And if the artist is not there then how art is going to survive?”

Mahesh, a 23-year-old performer shares his experience, “We performed Shiva Panchast Stuti, the composition is based on five ‘matra’ and it is not as easy as it seems. As this was my first performance for this festival, I was nervous. But if we talk about the experience, it was one of the best experiences I had.”  

Another performer Sindhu Shivani Ravuri who performed the Shiva Tandav and Shiva Stotram shares, “Shiva Stotram is an emotion-based piece whereas Shiva Tandav is more of body-based choreography. The whole experience has been really nice and full of learning”       

Renowned classical vocalist Sanjeev Abhyankar sang compositions that pay tribute to Lord Shiva. Sharing his experience and explains why he appreciates the event,

Abhyankar says, “The Reddys are such wonderful musicians and they themselves are spreading the fragrance of Indian classical music, and don’t keep it limited to their own field.”

A performance is deemed sucessful when the people have not only enjoyed the performance. But at the same time, connect with the performance as well. “It feels great to see everyone connecting with Indian classical dance and music it was my dream to celebrate this festival that celebrates Lord Shiva’s spirit in all and its resplendent glory,” Kaushalya concludes.