Aparna Srivastava
Classical dance in India often finds itself confined to a niche audience, sometimes leading dancers to opt for gimmicks that dilute the essence of the art form. However, the recent dance concert Smarana curated, produced, and presented by the talented young Bharatanatyam artist Aparna Srivastava at NCPA's Godrej Dance Theatre defied these norms. Performed on a red alert day in Mumbai, the concert drew a near-full house and demonstrated the power of thoughtful curation in introducing classical dance to new and diverse audiences.
"Smarana", meaning "recall" in Sanskrit, was a Bharatanatyam performance that explored the concept of memory, not just as a nostalgic act of recalling tradition but as an artistic device within the dance itself. Srivastava opened the performance with a Mallari, a rhythmic and melodic composition known for its building tempo. This was followed by two abhinaya-centric pieces- a poetic padam, in which the protagonist recalls her beloved's betrayal, and a varnam, Nee Indha Mayam, where the heroine remembers her lover's playful tricks and unrequited affection, yet still falls for him, enamored by his beauty. The concert concluded with a rare rendition of the Desh Tillana, a celebratory piece marking the end of the performance.
The concert was further enriched by the melodious music of Dr. Sridhar Vasudevan, whose singing was met with widespread appreciation from the audience. Srivastava, a dancer with a background in film production (having worked on projects like A Suitable Boy), brought a unique perspective to the show, seamlessly blending dance and production elements.
In her own words, "Usually, the dancer is seen only as the performer, often working within the strict frameworks of a guru's schedule. But for this concert, I took on the role of a producer as well, ensuring the show was executed to the highest standards, free from logistical constraints." The concert benefited from meticulous production, with key contributions from team members including management by Titiksha Yewale, anchoring by Krish Ganguly and Paridhi Bhambani, lighting by Naman Pruthi, hair and makeup by Mishree Shah, and design support by Hemang Mehta and Dhinesh.
The evening culminated in a standing ovation, as the hour-long recital impressed audiences with its energy, storytelling, and overall artistic finesse. "The curation of ragas was wonderful; we don't get to hear them so often," commented an attendee, emphasizing the fresh approach Aparna brought to the performance.
Looking ahead to the December dance season, Smarana stands as a testament to the importance of blending professional ethics and artistic integrity in dance curation and production. Srivastava, who has trained under the senior disciples of Padma Bhushan Saroja Vaidyanathan and Mahalingam Pillai, draws inspiration from both modern and historical influences, taking a scholarly approach to research and aesthetics. "I deeply respect the forgotten dancers of pre-modern India and consider them my gurus. I place a great emphasis on research in my artistic process," she shared.
With such a successful performance, Aparna Srivastava's Smarana leaves an indelible mark on the dance community and sets a high standard for future productions in the classical dance arena.
Photo Credits: Devang Rajgor
