When Talent and Perfection come together : Sensational and extravagant Bharathanatyam Arangetram by students of Smt. Pooja Kumar Shyam

by Saritha Venkatesh

Namaskaram to all the wonderful art lovers. It gives me immense pleasure to narrate behind the scenes of this dazzling arangetram.  I have a vivid memory in fall of 2023, when I had a conversation with the dedicated mothers of Kumari. Harsheta Krishnakumar and Kumari. Unnimaya Sajeev, Smt. Aarthi and Smt. Dhanya to plan for their dual arangetram on 29 th June 2024. The girls are gifted to have a dedicated, talented and vibrant Guru Smt. Pooja Kumar Shyam, a very dear friend of mine. As Saba Lakshanam is an integral part of any bharatanatyam dancer, myself along with my daughter Kumari. Varshini Arumugam, ventured to be make-up artists for Harsheta Unnimaya. There has been great planning as a team with the costumes, jewelry and hair styles. Aarthi and Dhanya had spent their valuable time in setting and packing the vibrant costumes and matching jewelry, that was perfect for us to begin the make up in the early hours on the day of the event. I was aptly assisted by my good friend Smt. Niveditha Sharath, dance teacher and artistic director of Mayur Indian Cultural Academy for the make-up and adorning the girls. 

As Henry Ford said " Team coming together is beginning; keeping together is progress and working together is success". When I attend any arangetram nowadays, I am bewildered by the efforts pitched in and it is as close as conducting Indian weddings, with festive decorations, costume grandeur and sumptuous food. It takes a whole village to extend their hands in supporting the parents and family in transport, flower distributions, backstage helping, getting the initial pooja ready and extending the hospitality to the guest and musicians.  A huge shout out to the friends and parents who made the evening a grand success.

It was a family event and Rohita Krishnakumar in her calm composed voice conducted the arangetram by being the pretty young emcee for the evening. In between her announcements she never forgot her actual role as a eldest sister in comforting Harshetha with words of encouragement. Rohita's love and comfort nevertheless embraced Unnimaya as well. Great job Rohita. 

The arangetram commenced with the prayer song Mulaadhaara Moorthi in ragam Hamsadhwani composed by Papanaasam Shivan.  The singer for the evening was Smt. Arthi Kumar Angl, beloved sister of Guru Smt. Pooja Kumar Shyam and disciple of Madurai R. Sundar, K. Vijayaraghavan, and Sangeetha Kalanidhi Dr. Smt. S. Sowmya.  She stole the show with her divine voice, adequate emotions and tone for every single item. After listening to Kadhana Kudhuhalam thillana for many years in the voice of Late. Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna sir, Arthi did a fantastic rendition as the girls danced to the fast beats. 

The evening commenced with welcome addresses by both the dads, Mr. Krish Velmurugan and Mr. Sajeev Vallat. After the marathon of getting the girls ready, I was happy to sit and watch the girls start the program. 

Both Harshetha and Unnimaya danced gracefully for a Pushpanjali on Lord Natrajar set to Ragam Simhendra Mathyamam. This was followed by a sloka on Lord Ganesha, by Unnimaya who dwelled in graceful facial expressions within the short time.  

Harsheta rocked the stage in performing Shanmugar Kauthuvam set to ragam Shanmukhapriya. She assumed perfect dance postures of a peacock interspersed with the magnificence of Lord Muruga. will now take the stage to perform Shanmugar Kauthuvam, preceded by a sloka on Lord Muruga. 

Unnimaya performed the Jathiswaram set to Ragam Kalayani. This song has nostalgic memories from the 1970's and the dancers will definitely perform it during their arangetrams.  Unnimaya with her perfection performed with intricate step sequences and beats, fused with musical notes.  

The first quarter was equally interspersed with the girls exhibiting their talents as solo debuts. The next item was a Shabhdam on Lord Narayana in Ragamalika set to Misra Jappu performed by Harshetha. She explicitly depicted the Matsya Avatar and Gajendra Moksha by becoming the roles themselves. One more excellent piece of choreography by and describes his various divine attributes as the protector of the universe. 

Arthi and Pooja were very well complimented by renowned musicians Sri. BV Ganesh, on the Mridangam, disciple of Guru Kumbakonam Sreenivasan, Sri. CK Vijaya-Raghavan, disciple of his grandfather Violin Legend Kalaimamani Sri Chittoor Gopalakrishnan on the violin and Sri. Kumar Babu on the flute. Guru Smt. Pooja Kumar Shyam on nattuvangam.

I have known Guru Smt. Pooja Kumar Shyam for over many years and have been awed by her dedication to her dance, ethnicity of her choreography, disciplined unconditional love to her students and moreover the respect she beholds for elders in the community. She has always nurtured the community with young talented artists participating in temples, dance community events and dance competitions in the New England area. Today after seeing her unique choreography and Nattuvangam skills, I have become a true ardent fan of her simplicity and talent. She is the artistic director of Nrithyapooja Dance Academy and the ardent disciple of legends  Smt. Savithri Jaganaatha Rao, Sri A. Lakshman, and Smt. Rama Vaidyanathan. 

Yet another piece in raagam Simhandra Mathyama for a Varnam on Goddess Meenakshi was choreographed extraordinarily by Smt. Pooja Kumar depicting the stories of the birth, growing up and marriage of the same. Unnimaya's expression upon seeing Lord Shiva and showing Sringaram was priceless. How can I not compliment the force bull Harshetha who transformed into a bull in totality as the demon Mahishasura.  A wonderful treat for the audience to enjoy. 

Following intermission, the arangetram went off as an extraordinary entertainer with the girls performing Shakthi Koothu, composed by Mahakavi Subramanya Bhartiyaar, Nada Murali  in Hamir Kalyani, composed by  Sri Oothu-kaadu Venkata Subbaiyyar, Karuna Cheyvan Endhuu Thamasam Krishna in Yadhukula Kambodhi, composed by Sri Irayimman Thampi. The Thillana was yet another masterpiece of the girls competing for the best Nrita and perfection. The whole aragetram ended with blessings of Lord Shiva by the girls performing Yogeshwaraya composed by Sounds of Isha, Pandit Jasraj, & Rakesh Chaurasia. To add a jewel to the crown, this song was special with Rohita joining the duo and concluded with a Mangalam. Such a heartwarming surprise. 

 A very emotional moment for the proud parents, audience, teacher and students when they received the well deserved standing ovation and the shield of completion from the teacher. Hearty congratulations to all. 

We would like to thank all the teachers and friends for felicitating the artists on stage.   Thank you to the beautiful decorations by Dr. Shami Ram, a good friend of mine and the lovely decorations at Littleton High School are as gorgeous as her. Shiva's kitchen restaurant has now become the Akshayapathram for all events in the New England Area for their perfectly blended mouth watering dishes.

Credits:
Video coverage and Livestreaming : Meyyappan (Kolam Media Creations)
Event Photograpy : Anil Nair (Fotoreminisce)
Brochure Photos and Design : Krish Velmurugan (KrispFotos)

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