Reviews

Margazhi review: Shafeekudin and Shabana

Performing as a duo in Bharatanatyam brings a unique sense of joy, which was expertly brought out by Shafeekudeen and Shabana at the Narada Gana Sabha on 29 December 2024. The accompanying musicians were Hari Prasad on vocals, Ganesh Babu on the mridangam, Kalaiarasan on the violin, and Priyanka Parameshwaran on nattuvangam.

                                            


They commenced the performance with an invocatory piece, Prabho Ganapathe, a composition by Agathiyar in raga Thilang, set to Adi tala. Both dancers wore colour-coordinated Bharatanatyam costumes in striking black and red.

The centrepiece of the day’s recital was a pada varnam narrating the story of Lord Karthikeya. Accompanied by his beloved consorts, Karthikeya is at the heart of the narrative, where the nayika expresses her longing for his presence and her inability to endure the separation. The piece, Velanai kanbom vaarir in raga Khamas, set to Adi tala, featured music by Lalitha and choreography by Shafeekudeen. The nritya segments vividly conveyed the emotional depth of the nayika's longing. The interplay of their movements reflected a harmonious balance of symmetry and expression. The sancharis explored various episodes from the life of Lord Karthikeya, such as his valorous battles, his divine grace, and the tender moments shared with his consorts. The orchestra also played a significant role, enhancing the overall performance.

The next piece was a padam, Varugalamo ayya, a composition by Gopalakrishna Bharathi, set in raga Manji and misra Chapu. The dance, choreographed by Dhananjayan, was performed by Shafeekudeen. He danced in perfect harmony with the rhythmic and melodic intricacies.

Following this, Shabana performed the Javali Sariga kongu mosugudhari in the raga Surati and tala Rupaka, a composition by Ghanam Krishna Iyer.  Each expression was finely nuanced, drawing the audience into the narrative with her subtle eye movements. The duo concluded their performance with a Tillana in raga Madhuvanti, set to Adi tala, a composition by Lalgudi G. Jayaraman.

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