A treat for classical dance lovers

HYDERABAD: Aandapriya Foundation founded by a group of art and literature lovers recently organised a scintillating Kuchipudi dance recital by Sarvepalli Madhavimala at Sunshine Hospitals’ auditorium in the city. Sponsored by Sunshine Hospitals, the programme witnessed the attendance of many classical dance lovers. The objective of Anandapriya Foundation is to provide the community with an opportunity to enjoy access to Indian classical music, dance and contemporary painting.  Sarvepalli Madhavimala, who gave a fine Kuchipudi performance, has received her training under some of the finest Kuchipudi maestros in South India — initiated early, she received her first formal training from Sri Vempati Kodanda Rama Sastry, son of Sri Vempati Venkatanarayana, of the illustrious Kuchipudi Trinity.  She further honed her stylistic techniques from well-known Gurus including Dr K Uma Rama Rao and Sri Vedantam Prahalada Sarma. Madhavi has performed in prestigious sabhas in India and has toured many countries.  Madhavi has been recently conferred with the title ‘Kala Ratna’ by the State Government of Andhra Pradesh for her dedication to the Kuchipudi art form.  Madhavimala started the performance with a traditional invocation Pushpanajali, followed by a Vinayaka Stuti in Surati ragam and Adi talam. Gale Bhujanga composed by Ustad Amjad Ali Khan in Hamsanandi ragam, Misra Chapu came up next. Gale Bhujanga is a devotional piece describing the beauty of Lord Siva replete with Sringara sentiment.  Madhavi’s Sanchari abhinaya in Vande Srimataram on Goddess Parvathi and her various incarnations was quite impressive. Emoko chigurutadharamuna, an Annamacharya kirthana in Thillana ragam and Rupaka talam followed. A scintillating Tarangam, the hallmark of Kuchipudi classical dance repertoire in Mohana Ragam, Jhampe talam showcased Madhavi’s skill in Nritya and Nritta.  Celebrated violin maestro Sri Lalgudi Jayaram’s Thillana in Madhuvanti ragam and Adi talam thrilled the audience. The end-piece, a Ragamalika composed by Saint Annamacharya depicting a quaint lullaby sung by mother Yasoda for baby Krishna truly captivated the audience.