Perhaps the ultimate challenge for a male dancer would be to portray a feminine character with some degree of comfort. But for an artist of Chandrasekhar’s caliber, it was an effortless feat in the Telugu varnam set to Adi talam, ‘Ye maguva bodhinchara.’ Beginning with a naturally flowing gait and slightly rounded arm movements, the subtle gestures and expressions were so eloquent of a woman distressed by her beloved’s inattention, that they turned an otherwise simple composition into a masterpiece. The sancharis of the pain and resentment of the heroine were performed with a dignity that afforded clarity without being blatant. Chandrasekhar’s handling of the demanding theermanams in-between was another remarkable feature of the forty-minute varnam. His clean lines and agility emphasized his hard work, while his sparkling reflexes that glittered like gems, made light of his age.

Chandrasekhar’s repertoire spans compositions in many regional languages while retaining the traditional Bharatanatyam idiom as a tool for expression. The Surdas bhajan ‘Deenana dukha harana detha santana hitkari’ is one such example that has been tuned in the Hindusthani ragas of Mand, Chandrakauns, and Bhoop by the artist himself. Many episodes of Lord Vishnu’s compassion were enacted with refreshing honesty and among others, the humble Sudhama’s and the Draupadi’s ‘Vastra Haran’ stories were scripted with poignancy.

The recital opened with an excerpt from Kalidasa’s Ritu Samharam on summer, ‘Greeshma,’ performed by Chandrasekhar’s daughter Manjari and his other disciples. The vivid picture of man and nature enduring the heat was extremely well coordinated by the dancers’ crisp and descriptive movements. Professor Chandrasekhar’s penchant for complicated rhythmic patterns was given full rein in the Abhogi thillana composed and choreographed by him in misra jathi triputa talam with 11 aksharas, in praise of Nataraja. Performed with admirable accuracy and verve by Manjari, it kept the entire auditorium on the edge of their seats.

But there is no doubt that the veteran’s solos shine with a special dignity and maturity that reflects his erudition, and command over rhythm, musical nuance and dance. They were the best part of the evening’s offering.

A very supportive orchestra facilitated the programme: nattuvangam, Professor C.V.Chandrasekhar, and Jaya Chandrasekhar, vocal K.Hariprasad, mridangam Adyar Balu, violin T.K.Padmanabhan and flute B.Muthukumar.