Christopher Gurusamy’s enthusiasm on stage is unparalleled. He is so light on his feet that his style can be called ‘Aerial Bharatanatyam’. The distinctive twist, coming in motion from Muzhu Mandi, hands touching the floor in ‘Kitathaka Tharikitatams’, was never a dull moment.
Christopher’s involved expressions show that he has matured as an artist. His performance at The Music Academy had many memorable moments, most notably Sanchari in Tiruvizhimazhalai Kalyanasundaram Pillai’s Varnam ‘Nathanai Azhithu Va’ (Kamboji, etc.). In this excerpt, the heroine’s dream comes true when God comes to her doorstep. There was subtlety and finesse in Christopher’s expression of astonishment and mocking a friend who did not oblige him.
eloquent eyes
But ‘Ram Ram Pran Sakhi’ (Scenes by Kshatreya, Bhairavi, Adi, Bragha Bessel) was his best. Christopher’s eyes were eloquent, showing Rama’s bewilderment at not finding Sita and his subsequent grief. It was a complex work with Krishna as the narrator, which could have been better explained. Murali Parthasarathy (vocal) shines in this piece, assisted by Sai Rakshit (violin).
Subramaniam Bharathi’s centenary was marked by an excerpt from Kannan Patu, ‘Kannan en Thogen’. While one friend mourns Krishna’s departure from Vrindavan, the other two assure him that Krishna will always be with him, within him. Professor Raghuraman, Bharat Sundar and Bragha Bessel are behind this beautiful Ragamalika, Mishra Chapu. By now, the topic of separation was over and Christopher’s role had become confusing after a point.
He ended with Othukkadu Venkata Subbair’s Kalinga Narthana Thillana (Suratti, Thisara, etc.), choreographed by KP Rakesh. In this, solus and literature were alternated. full of lively and challenging rhythms, River Changes in the middle of the song. It was a happy ending. Young and bright Bharatnatyam artistes Rakesh and Sudarshini Iyer performed Nattuvangam. The latter’s tone of the Tej Varnam Jathis (Arjunan Poovindran) was soft, precise and pleasing. Sivaprasad was on the mridangam.
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