What a wonderful performance by Shirin Bakre, in her "Arangetram", On July 19^th, 2015 at Framingham, MA. Thank you Smt. Ranjani Saigal for not just a visual treat but also a lovely Musical retreat to the ears. I really liked the “Nattuvangam” style of yours. I would say, it had the "Bold and Beautiful", Smt. Ranjani's Mudra (stamp) to it. Power packed and Bindass! I adore your articulate explanation of the dance numbers, with hints of humor here and there. Kanchadalayathakshi, Natanam Adinaar, Sakha Maja Narayana were very close to my heart.  I kept humming Sakha Maja, even after coming home. Goose bump moment (Mei silirtha nimidam) for me, was when you recited Thirunyana Sambandar's Thevaram... Veyuru tholi pangan, in your own unique style... You are a legend!!

Vocalist Smt. Sangeetha Kala had a mellifluous voice and did an amazing rendition of all the songs. Flutist Sri.Sudhakar's mesmerizing Kurai onrum illai marai moorthi kanna, still resonates in my ears. Violinist Shri S P Anathapadmanabha’s, Enna thavam seidhanai Yeshoda was excellent. Mridangam artist Shri Venkata Subramanian was exceptional too. Krishna nee begane baaro! Oh, what a treat it was!!

Shirin transformed herself as Sabari, when she did the act of Sabari tasting fruits for Rama and also role transformations in the sequence in Mahabharata, where she performs as Dushasana trying to humiliate Draupadi, and as Draupadi trying to embrace herself and praying Krishna and finally as Krishna protecting and giving clothes to Draupadi. It was a seamless transition, yet clearly depicting each character. It was beautifully done, especially when Dushasana gets really tired and gives up. Also The Dashavatara stotram preceding Sakha Maja Narayana, where Shirin flawlessly displayed all the 10 incarnations of Lord Narayana was Stupendous.

The Marathi songs, customized to the Dancer’s heritage and the Sai Baba aarthi as Mangalam   was” out of the box” and unique.  To me, this is Innovating yet preserving the age old traditional ones like Natanam aadinaar and Kanchadalayathakshi. Starting from the Invitations, Stage decor & ambience, Hospitality and Food, everything was wonderful.

Shirin looked absolutely gorgeous in all the costumes and striking poses. Congratulations to The Guru, The Shishya and her family.

The Guru:

Needless to say, Smt. Ranjani is one of the best teachers in New England area. Director of Eastern Rhythms school of dance in Medford, MA, She is truly a keeper of our rich Indian heritage and tradition. She is a very warm and wonderful human being. An Entrepreneur, who is extremely knowledgeable in Classical Dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Carnatic Music, Different Languages, Philosophy, Poetry and Indian Mythology. She specializes in “Abhinaya”, the story telling aspect of the art form and has done several Arangetram’s to her students.

A creative choreographer, her creations include, Savithri, Ramayana and a ground breaking production called Dancing Nature’s art- a dance drama expounding the scientific concept of DNA. Who other than Smt. Ranjani can think so innovative? She was honored by Governor Deval Patrick for her contributions to the arts in MA.

Smt.Ranjani is a great boon to the Indian community in New England. She encourages and extends her support to Indian art form in New England.

The Shishya:

Shirin Bakre,

You remind me of Mahakavi Subramania Bharathiar’s poem…

பாரதி கண்ட புதுமைப் பெண் :
“நிமிர்ந்த நன்னடை நேர்கொண்ட பார்வையும்
நிலத்தில் யார்க்கும் அஞ்சாத நெறிகளும்,
திமிர்ந்த ஞானச் செருக்கும் இருப்பதால்
செம்மை மாதர் திறம்புவ தில்லையாம்”

Bharathi kanda Pudumaip Penn:
"Nimirndha nannadai naer konda paarvaiyum 
Nilathil yaarukkum anjaatha nerigalum 
Thimirndha gnanach cherukkum iruppadhaal 
Semmai maadhar thirambuvathillaiyaam" 

The meaning of the poem is

Bharathiar’s envision of a modern woman:

‘With an upright gait, straightforward look, fearless ideals, proud with great knowledge and wisdom, a woman never goes wrong, nor does she falter…

First of all I would like to congratulate you for a splendid performance on your Bharatanatyam Arangetram.  The hard work and dedication was very well reflected in your performance. My little girl was very inspired by your dance and your other accomplishments.

 15 years seems very short compared to all your accomplishments.

A beautiful Young Dancer:

Shirin trained in Indian Classical Dance- Bharatanatyam under the tutelage of Smt. Ranjani Saigal from a tender age of 7. Its 9 years of intense training, that made her complete her Arangetram, on July 19^th, 2015 with great success. She also choreographs dances. She started dancing at age 4.

Charity for Noble cause:

 It’s commendable that, as a Youth Ambassador for Akshaya Patra Foundation, Shirin donated all the proceeds ($1800) from her Arangetram for feeding children throughout the world, including giving them a fulfilling education.

An Artist in the making:

Shirin is very interested in drawing and Oil paintings in particular. She had her paintings put in competitions, to raise money for foundations like Ekal Vidyalaya. Everybody has talents and passion. But, to put that to good use, especially for a noble cause is truly wonderful. One such painting, she was describing to me, is about, Poor children in rural India, having gadgets like IPhone, IPad in their hands. To me, this is a wonderful painting with a strong message that, Children no matter, Rich or Poor are allowed to dream big. Only if you dream big today, you will be able to achieve something tomorrow….

Beauty Pageant, Modelling and an Award winning Title:

Shirin, as a model has walked the ramp in many fashion shows to provide encouragement to women and young girls to feel good in their own skin. She was crowned, Miss Teen India New England in 2013.

Martial arts and Self-defense Skills:

Shirin has got a “Black belt” in Karate, during her 8^th grade and also teaches Karate for younger kids.

Other interests:

 Apart from being an honor’s student in academics, she is part of YMCA Swim team, Volley ball tournaments (at school). She has performed in a Celtics Game in TD garden.

Shirin- You are, not just an all-rounder, but also a beautiful person inside and out.

I hope after reading all about Shirin, you would certainly agree, why I thought of her as Mahakavi Bharathiar’s Pudumai Penn...

Nimirndha nannadai – An upright gait while she walks the Ramp with self-confidence and Poise

Naer konda paarvaiyum â€“  A straight-forward look. I saw that in her, when she posed as Rama, quiet, composed with Valor and Majesty.
Nilathil yaarukkum anjaatha nerigalum-  Fearless, Bold and Brave- as a Karate Black belt holder.
Thimirndha gnanach cherukkum iruppadhaal â€“ Proud,with knowledge and wisdom for graduating in her Arangetram, while received the award presented by Smt. Ranjani.
Semmai maadhar thirambuvathillaiyaam" â€“ A woman can never go wrong!!!

The family:

Mrs.Sonal Bakre (Shirin’s Mom) didn’t have words to express her joy as her throat had a lump, and her eyes were flooded with tears of Joy( aananda kaneeer) and Mr. Shashank Bakre (her Dad) was overwhelmed with Pride and Joy! It’s an incredible moment for the family to see their daughter perform her Arangetram. I looked at my daughter and told her that I would be in tears, when she performs her Arangetram.

Shirin perhaps inherits her dancing talents from her mom. Smt. Sonal is the first dancer in their family and Shirin’s Grandmother and Great Grandmother are singers.

Shirin’s little sister Shefali Bakre (9 years) was so adorable with her speech and admired her older sister and takes her as a role model. She is also learning Bharatanatyam from Smt. Ranjani for the past 3 years.

Shirin, I would like to conclude by saying, I am sure Bharatanatyam has instilled several values like Discipline, Dedication, Hard work, Physical fitness, Respect, Devotion, Guru Bhakthi and Indian culture. While cherishing and preserving all the above values you have gained, Share the art form, use it for good cause and stay blessed. Just like Smt. Ranjani says, it’s a “Maargam” - a path that will lead to success, accomplishment and fulfillment in Life. You area an Awe-inspiring dancer and May this take you to great heights!!

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