Guru Rajee’s compositions
for Yuva Mahotsava in Chennai
Dance recital by Jenna Narayan and Maya Rao

Alapana Trust’s Youth Festival of Classical Dance & Music, Chennai presented a Bharatanatyam recital by Jenna Narayan and Maya Rao, on the concluding day, i.e. Thursday, 12th June. The Festival was from 9th to 12th June, at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mylapore. Inspired by the cultural afficionados in Delhi who oganise annual youth festivals, well-known singer and trustee of Alapana, Shri O. S. Arun, was the chief organiser of the event.

With Guru Rajee leading, Jaishree assisting her with the vocals, there was Shyam Sundar wielding the cymbals as co-nattuvanar, veteran mridangist Chandran and a local violinist. The dancers began with Guruji’s invocatory composition, Ainkarane. This was followed by the Varnam in Hindi, Sun Mori Binati, in Raag Bhupali. The Hindi Varnam was selected at the special request of Shri Arun and the audience was delighted with the simple, easy lyrics and the excellent rendition by the two dancers. This was followed by Maya’s solo padam, a Nindastuthi in Hamsanadam, Yennavendru Uraipen. All the items were Guruji’s compositions and this rare piece was portrayed with sensitivity by Maya. The following Nayika padam, Malai Mayangum Neram in Yedukulakambodi was performed with warmth and feeling by Jenna and had the audience shouting for an encore ! The one-hour recital ended with a lively rendition of Guruji’s Hindolam Tillana, differently choreographed for this event.

Bharatanatyam danseuse Chitra Visweswaran was highly appreciative and spoke encouraging words of praise. Kathak dancer-teacher Jigyasa Giri appreciated the co-ordination and grace of the dancers. Kudos to Shri Arun for organising such an event and providing a platform in Chennai, to encourage young, aspiring dancers from all over India.