About The Event
Namo Padmanambham
Bharatanatyam - by Mridula Sivakumar & Bhairavi Venktesan
Radha Krishna Leela
Manipuri by Kheersana Yumlembam, Dr. Yumlembam Theba Devi and Maasana Kshetrimayum
Mridula Sivakumar is a disciple of Dr. Smt. Sheela Unnikrishnan. She has completed her Masters in Historical Studies and is pursuing advanced training in Carnatic vocals. A "B High" graded artiste of Doordarshan, Mridula has a Diploma in Talam and Nattuvangam under the guidance of Dr. Guru Bharadwaj. She has learnt the Karanas of Indian classical dance under the guidance of Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam and Dr. Gayathri Kannan at Nrithyodaya, Chennai. Serving as one of the dance teachers in Sridevi Nrithyalaya, Sivakumar has been an active participant in all their dance dramas, thematic presentations and group performances. A recipient of CCRT scholarship for Young Artists from the Government of India, Mridula has won the Naalu Kutcheri contest organised by Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram, Government of Tamil Nadu. She has been felicitated with the 'Asthana Vidwan' title by Sri Chakra Maha Meeru Peetam, Bilaspur, and Guru Dhandayuthapani Pillai Endownment Prize from Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, Chennai among others.
Bhairavi Venkatesan trained in Bharatanatyam under the able guidance of her aunt, Smt. Sheela Unnikrishnan and has been performing in various programs directed by her guru. Bhairavi has also trained in Kuchipudi under Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam and Jaikishore Mosalikanti. She has been conferred the prestigious "Bal Shree" award (2013), the highest honour from the Government of India in the field of Creative Performance. She holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology and a master's degree in the History of Fine Arts from Stella Maris College, Chennai. A Grade "B" artiste in Chennai Doordarshan, she has also received the Guru Ellappa Endowment Award, Sri Krishna Gana Sabha; Natvar Gopikrishna National Award; Mrs. Rukmini Devi Smrithi Samman among others. Bhairavi is one of the teaching faculties as well as trustees of Sridevi Nrithyalaya Trust, the Trust that runs the institution, headed by her aunt, Dr. Sheela Unnikrishnan as the Managing Trustee.
Bhairavi Venkatesan and Mridula Sivakumar present Namo Padmanabham, a thematic presentation that celebrates the compositions of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal. The presentation opens with a sloka in praise of Sriman Narayana, followed by Maharaja Thirunal's popular kriti, "Bhavayami Raghuramam" and concludes with the vibrant Bhoopalam Thillana.
Kheersana Yumlembam is a Gold Medalist from Jawaharlal Nehru Manipuri Dance Academy (JNMDA), a recipient of the CCRT Scholarship in Nata Sankirtana and the Senior Fellowship from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. She has presented lecture demonstrations, participated in numerous festivals organized by leading cultural institutions, and has served as a member of scholarship selection committees of the CCRT. A graded artist of Doordarshan, she has performed extensively at the national and international prestigious festivals including the festivals organized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
Dr. Yumlembam Theba Devi, a Gold Medalist from JNMDA and a PhD in Performing Arts from Assam University, is a noted dancer, choreographer, researcher, and Top-graded Doordarshan artist. She has conducted lecture-demonstrations, presented research papers nationally and internationally, and served on various expert committees, including CCRT scholarship selections and Doordarshan artist auditions. She has performed extensively at national and international prestigious festivals.
Maasana Kshetrimayum, the fifth generation of this artistic lineage, was trained under her mother, Dr. Yumlembam Theba Devi. She has performed at prestigious platforms including the India Habitat Centre, Lai Haraoba Festival, National School of Drama, and major festivals organized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, including the UNESCO IGC Meeting and World Heritage celebrations.
The presentation explores the divine love and spiritual journey of Radha and Krishna, beginning with Gouranga Varnan, which depicts the birth and divine beauty of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, an incarnation of Radha-Krishna, and his propagation of Harinam. Radha-Krishna Nartan unfolds the enchanting Raas Leela of Manipur, portraying Krishna's flute, Radha's irresistible longing, her journey to the kunja, and their joyful union in Madhura Rasa. Vasaka Sajja reveals Radha's devotion and anticipation as she prepares the bower for Krishna, only to experience the poignant anguish of separation when he fails to arrive.
An NCPA Presentation Supported by HSBC India
Entry free on a first come, first served basis.
