Meenakshi Murali delivered a stirring performance on the occasion of her arangetram to a packed hall at Ravindra Bharathi auditorium.
She started off with an invocation of Lord Ganesha and followed up with an Allaripu. Her depiction of natural beings such as the peacock and the elephant were powerful and effortless.
Next, she transitioned to the feverish pace of Shadakshara Kouthuvam, which is a staple of the Sruthi Laya Kendra stable, and demanded good stage coverage. Meenakshi did not disappoint.
Then, she followed up with an intricate varnam, portraying the aptly selected Goddess Meenakshi’s many emotions. Her shyness on seeing Lord Shiva, her karunai or compassion towards her children, haasya or her mellifluous laughter, roudra (anger) and valour stood out amongst the nine emotions. Meenakshi followed this up with a padam and then a playful thillana. Her abhang on Lord Vittala took the evening to a crescendo, with the audience clapping along and admiring her stamina as she danced to the choreography of Dr. Vyshnavie. She finished with a graceful mangalam that left the audience impressed with her versatility.
Hyderabad brother Shri D Raghavachari (Sangeeta Natak Akademi) was the Chief Guest and was effusive in the praise of Meenakshi. Credit due to the hard work and craft of her guru Dr. Rajeswari which were visible on stage. All in all, a memorable evening with an upcoming talent – she will likely go far in her journey of bharatanatyam!