The solo Bharatanatyam Rangapravesha of 14-year-old Kumari Mahati Ananth, “Nritya Anantha – Mahati Nūpura Nāda”, presented by Shailusham Arts & Creations® at ADA Rangamandira, was a celebration of classical dance enriched by originality, musical experimentation and expressive storytelling.
A disciple of Vidwan Ananth Vikram, Mahati demonstrated impressive command over rhythm, abhinaya and stage presentation, reflecting more than a decade of dedicated training. The recital stood out for several unique concepts. An original composition titled Shailusham Sheershike Geete, set in the specially composed raga Mahati and Adi tala, was a musical tribute to the young dancer. Mahati's recitation of jatis and participation in rhythmic jugalbandi added an unusual and engaging dimension to the performance.
A particularly memorable moment came during the Varnam, Sri Krishna Kamalanatho, when Ananth Vikram, who was simultaneously handling vocals and nattuvangam, joined his daughter on stage as Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita sequence. The father-daughter and Guru-Shishya presentation was a rare and moving artistic collaboration. The voice behind the Bhagavad gita was rendered ably by Vid. Bharadwaj Dayanidhi.
The popular composition Tamburi Meetidava was creatively presented as an interactive Vittala bhajan-style musical jam in Sindhu Bhairavi, drawing the audience into the performance.
The repertoire featured a Pushpanjali in Saraswati raga with a Ganesha composition, Ranjani Mala in Ranjani ragamalika and Kalinga Narthana Tillana in Gambheera Nata. The live ensemble comprised Vidwan Ananth Vikram (vocals and nattuvangam), Karnataka Kalashree Vidwan G. Gurumurthy (mridangam), Karnataka Kalashree Vidwan H.S. Venugopal (flute), Vidwan Subramanya Hegde (sitar) and Vidwan Arun Kumar (rhythm pads).
Senior dance exponent Guru Vidushi Dr. Soundarya Srivathsa appreciated the artistic excellence of the presentation, while Sri Hayagreeva Achar, Secretary of Sri Jnanakshi Vidyaniketan, lauded Mahati's dedication, expression and commitment to dance over the past decade. Anusha, a gifted singer associated with Samarthanam Trust, highlighted Ananth Vikram's remarkable versatility across vocals, nattuvangam and dance.
Nritya Anantha was ultimately a celebration of artistic discipline, creative thinking and the enduring Guru–Shishya tradition, leaving the audience with a memorable experience of Bharatanatyam in an innovative presentation.
