JOIN USRhythmic movements come to fore
As a tribute to Odissi guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, Sanjali Centre for Odissi Dance presented Samsmaranam at ADA Rangamandira recently in collaboration with ‘Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Nrityabasa’, Bhubaneswar.
The event was conducted to mark the death anniversary of the legendary artiste. Talented artistes like Ratikant Mohapatra, Rajashree Praharaj, Sharmila Mukherjee and the students of Sanjali Centre for Odissi Dance presented enchanting performances in memory of the the great dancer.
Padmini Ravi, the chief guest for the programme, inaugurated the cultural extravaganza by lighting the lamp. She shared rich memories that were associated with the legendary dancer.
“His disciples have the responsibility to take the art form forward so that he will be remembered even after 100 years,” she said. The much-awaited odissi recital began with an invocation piece Shivastuthi in Raag Madhubani set to Ardha Jampa Taal and choreographed by Kelucharan Mohapatra.
The performance was meant to seek the blessings of God, guru and the audience before beginning the main dance recital. Sharmila Mukherjee presented the dance in a graceful manner by depicting the beauty of Lord Shiva.
Her flexible body movements and facial expressions made it a lovely presentation.
Next to come on stage were the students of Sanjali Centre for Odissi Dance who presented Saveri Pallavi in Raag Saveri set in Ek Taal.
The magic began right from the moment the girls appeared on stage till the end as they treated the audience with their rhythmic body movements.
Shwetha Krishna, Sonira Gulhati and Shubha Nagarajan, maintained perfect co-ordination till the end. Later, Ratikant Mohapatra, the son of Kelucharan Mohapatra, took over the stage with his wonderful performance. He chose a bhajan, Sri Ramachandra Krupalu Bhajamana, composed by Tulsidas in praise of Lord Rama.
He depicted Sita Swayamvar and the conflict between Ram and Ravan elaborately which won the hearts of many spectators. An expressive piece Nagendra Haraya was presented by Prithvi Nayak and Maya Krishnamurty, the students of Sanjali Centre.
The girls presented the Shiva Panchakshara Stotram by describing the great qualities of Lord Shiva which was in Raag Bairagi set to Rupak Taal.
Choreographed by Ratikant Mohapatra, Rajashri Praharaj presented Bhupeshwari Pallavi which was in Raag Bhupeshwari set to Adi Taal. She demonstrated her outstanding talent and grace in this splendid performance.
The next performance, Jatayu Moksha, which was presented by Ratikant Mohapatra and Rajashri Praharaj, received huge appreciation from the audience. The event concluded by remembering the legendary dancer.