Into the world of apsaras

It makes for a vibrant watch when a Bharatanatyam performance is based on the celestial dancers – Rambha, Menaka and Urvashi, and when the artistes’ on stage bring alive the characters. Srekala Bharath and her Thejas School of Performing Arts presented Deva Madhargal, a thematic group performance, at Bharat Kalachar, with music by Rukmini Ramani, daughter of the legendary composer Papanasam Sivan.

The introductory segment depicted the deva madhargal petitioning Shiva for a new land. This set a powerful tone for the performance.

The production centered around how Indra weaves his intricate web of illusion in the lives of Rambha, Menaka and Urvashi. One day, a divine wind dislodges Rambha’s famed ornaments such as the Chandrakala and Tilakam, causing them to fall on Earth and lose their brilliance. Distressed, Rambha seeks Indra’s protection. When he reveals the reason for the mishap, she seeks forgiveness.

The next segment portrayed Vishwamitra’s penance, Menaka’s allure, and their love with precise, emotive movements. The performers captured the sage’s remorse and renunciation with striking expressions and fluid transitions.

Srekala Bharath played Iravatham in her thematic production ‘Deva Madhargal’. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

In the final episode, Urvashi is abducted by the demon Keshin while returning to heaven. Hearing the apsaras’ cries, King Pururava rescues her. Their love-filled first meeting was portrayed well while their separation and reunion with their son Aayush were executed with poignancy.

Srekala played the role of Iravadham (Indra’s elephant) and appeared before the start of each segment. The production concluded with a group dance.

The costumes for Rambha, Menaka and Urvashi were in vibrant shades of purple and pink. The detailed eye makeup and well-defined eyebrows added depth to their expressions.

The other dancers in the group wore colourful costumes, adding to the overall visual appeal.

The evening’s orchestra featured Padma Raghavan on nattuvangam and narration, Preethi Sethuraman on vocals, Sri Ganesh Ramamoorthy on the mridangam, K.R. Venkata Subramanian on the rhythm pad and N. Sigamani on the violin. The jatis for Rambha, Menaka and Urvashi were handled by L. Narendra Kumar.