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Atistic Maturity

Srinidhi Chidambaram is a young, growing artiste, still exploring and working her way through the maze that is Bharatanatyam. Her recital for the Narada Gana Sabha reflected a keen sensitivity and understanding of the art.

Srinidhi ChidambaramAn invocation in Ragamalika, followed by verses from the Divya Prabhandam, was Srinidhi's first item. This was followed by a Varnam in Kambodhi Ragam. Kaana Aavalaanen is a composition of Ponniah Pillai. The nayika is desperate to see her beloved Lord Brihadeeshwara of Thanjavur. She thinks of ways to go about it. She visits the temple, but sees only the Lingam, she draws a picture of him, but his likeliness is not enough for her, she tries to sleep and dream of him, but is not able to fall asleep. Srinidhi gave a very involved portrayal of the heroine. The nayika later daydreams that her Lord had come. This sanchari was also done well - the welcoming of the nayaka, washing his feet, garlanding him etc.

Srinidhi went on to 'Thaye Yashoda' in Todi. A gopi comes to Yashoda to complain about Krishna and his pranks. The gopi's indulgence in the child is evident even as she speaks about him to his mother. The line 'evan Balan alla di' gave her a lot of scope for sancharis, which Srinidhi took good advantages of 'Evan andha Vasudevan' sung without any accompaniment created the climax introducing the surprise and the shock the gopis felt on learning about Krishna.

The ability of a dancer should be showcased suitably. One point to bear in mind is to contrast the moods of the different items performed, to highlight an artists emotive strength. Srihidhi certainly achieved this. Her next item was a padam in Saurashtra Ragam - Aduvum soluvaal. The women of the village are gossiping together about one who has won the heart of the ruler and thus has turned rich and snobbish overnight. The berating of that woman underlined with a touch of a envy made this piece entertaining and interesting.

Srinidhi concluded her dance receital with a Tillana in Tillang Ragam by Lalgudi Jayaraman and a mangalam by Swati Thirunal.

The nattuvangam by Srikala Suresh was noteworthy. Radha Badri was an asset to the programme with her music. She was ably supported by Nellai D.Kannan on the Mridangam, Bhaggyalakshmi on the flute, and Muruganandam on the violin.

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