Senior Bharatanatyam dancer and teacher Srekala Bharath, along with her students, presented a meticulously curated tribute to the legendary composer Harikesanallur Muthiah Bhagavatar on 30 June 2024 at Narada Gana Sabha's mini hall. The evening commenced with an invocatory piece, Tudikkaikkuriya (Poornachandrika), performed by Srekala and her senior students, followed by a daru varnam in Vasanta, Sannutangi. The varnam, intricately woven with trikala jatis, featured dynamic sollukattus in its nritta segments, which showcased the Chanda, Munda vadam of Goddess Chamundeswari. Muthiah Bhagavatar has composed 108 compositions dedicated to Chamundamba, including several varnams, kritis, and tillanas.

Continuing the homage, the group performed Nidu mahima pogada na tarama Rama in Hamsanandi, a raga championed by Bhagavatar, and Aandavan dharishaname  in Jonpuri, apart from other kritis and a concluding tillana. The group delighted the audience with their skilful rendition. Despite the constraints of the mini hall's stage, the choreography managed entries and exits flawlessly, enhancing the performance's aesthetic flow.

Such events not only enrich the understanding and appreciation of a composer's repertoire but also serve to inspire younger generations to explore and perform these lesser-known compositions. Srekala Bharath, supported by her students, Abirami Rammohan, Dhanashri Manickam, Pragnya Srivatsan, Lakshmipriya Palaniappan, and Akshaya Hariharan showcased their artistry alongside Padma Raghavan on the nattuvangam, Preeti Sethuraman on vocals and percussion, and K.R. Venkatasubramanian and Durga on the violin, ensuring a memorable evening of Bharatnatyam and musical finesse.

 Click here to watch excerpts from the performance