10-year-old Bharatanatyam dancer Ananya mesmerizes Hyderabad with ‘Navaratnam’ performance’
Ten-year-old Bharatanatyam dancer S.P. Ananya from Germany made her Telangana debut at Ravindra Bharati with Navaratnam, a classical dance presentation exploring the nine sacred gems. The evening also featured a violin recital by her father, S.P. Subrahmanyam
Hyderabad: Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam! The name spells fame for sure for millions of Indians.
And, when the 10-year-old Sripathi Panditaradhyula Ananya performed ‘Navaratnam’, a distinctive Bharatanatyam dance presentation exploring the symbolism, stories and spiritual significance of the nine sacred gems and their association with the Navagrahas, was presented at Ravindra Bharati here last Sunday it was not surprising the way she, according to critics, put up a wonderful show.
For the record, Ananya’s family is distantly related to the famous singer SP Balasubrahmanyam. Interestingly, the violin presentation was by Ananya’s father S. P. Subrahmanyam and their son SP Shankar, a tenth standard student (family now based in Germany since two years) received the ‘young scientist’ award twice!
“The production was performed by Ananya, Bharatanatyam dancer from Germany and a disciple of Guru Veenashri Vijaykumar Alange. Through classical dance, expressive storytelling and traditional music, the presentation introduced audiences to the origin, colours, energies and cultural significance of the Navaratnas,” says Ananya’s mother Divya Mangala, who was into classical dancing a long time back.
“The colors of nine gemstones, including ruby (carat), pearl (pearl), emerald (emerald), topaz, diamond, blue, gomedhika, vaidurya, and vidruma (pearl), along with the powers and significance behind them, were explained through rhythmic footwork , Abhinaya and storytelling,” the proud mother explained.
“Conceived as an effort to promote Indian heritage among younger generations and international audiences, Navaratnam brings together mythology, astrology, music and Bharatanatyam in an engaging stage production,” Divya said.
“Each gem is presented through its connection with a Navagraha, highlighting the stories, qualities and beliefs associated with it.
“Carnatic Re-imagined,” a special violin presentation by S. P. Subrahmanyam., her father was a special attraction,” she said.
The presentation opened with a *Ganapati Prarthana in Hamsadhwani, reimagining the celebrated kriti *Vatapi Ganapatim Bhaje. The second piece, set in *Arabhi, featured an original alapana and spontaneous improvisation developed in dialogue with the mridangam artist. The concluding composition in **Naata* was a tribute to Dr. L. Subramaniam, inspired by his iconic title theme for the Doordarshan series Surabhi, Divya explained.
Ananya has travelled from Germany to Hyderabad especially for this presentation. And, the event also marks her Telangana debut and reflects the growing interest among young members of the Indian diaspora in learning, preserving and presenting India’s classical arts
The organisers thanked the art lovers, students, families, cultural organisations for supporting the celebration of Indian classical dance and cultural heritage.
