Tribute to the mentor {review by dance critic Guru Vijay Shankar}

Tribute to the mentor

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

BY VIJAY SHANKER

AS a mark of tribute to their respected Guru, Shri Ramachandra Murthy, the students of Kuchipudi Kala Kendra, Mumbai, presented a brief Kuchipudi dance recital at the Andhra Mahasabha Hall, Dadar on the occasion of his birthday on August 9. The Kuchipudi Kala Kendra was established in Mumbai in 1995 with regular classes conducted in Dadar, Wadala, Vashi and Chembur under the expert guidance of Guru Murthy, who teaches in the typical, renowned ‘Vempatti’ style. Over the years, the Kuchipudi Kendra has grown in its stature with several students, who have now become professional dancers.

The seniormost disciple, Sanskriti Chatterjee, assisted with other students like Lavanya, Savita and Puja and the only male dancer Ramesh Koli, commenced the programme with the invocations to Lord Ganapati and the Goddess Parashakti. This was followed by the Jatiswaram, which is a fine combination of both music and melody and the pure dance aspect of the Kuchpudi is completely exploited with intricate rhythmic movements.
The piece-de-resistance of the evening was the number Bhama Kalapam, which is an extract from Narayana Tirtha’s Krishna Leela Tarangani that vividly describes the complete character sketch of Lord Krishna and is based on the philosophy of the ‘Bhagwatham’.

Bhama Kalapam is based on the interesting story of the royal beauty Satyabhama and Lord Krishna. Satyabhama was beautiful but arrogant too, to the extent that she told Krishna that she is more beautiful and matchless. Krishna wanted to teach her a lesson and so completely deserts and ignores her. Satyabhama realises her folly and asks for forgiveness.

Sanskriti is blessed with beautiful eyes that can really create wonders. With more concentration on the finer aspects of Kuchipudi, she can aspire to become a fine exponent. The programme concluded with the Tarangam, wherein the dancers perform on the rim of the brass plate.

About Guru Ramachandra Murthy

Guru Ramachandra Murthy hails from a family of traditional dancers. At a very tender age he was initiated to Kuchipudi by great teachers like Guru Vempatti Chinna Satyam. He has trained several students, who have performed in various festivals all over the world. He is a great taskmaster and does not compromise on quality or style.

The recital was thus a fine tribute to a deserving mentor.