Recently, on 1^st December 2024, the stage at India International Centre, New Delhi, was set, the lights dimmed, and the soft hum of anticipation filled the air as the audience eagerly awaited the solo performance of Sanjana Kumar. Under the tutelage of the distinguished Bharatnatyam guru, Rashmi Khanna, Sanjana ascended the stage for her solo performance.

The evening began with an elegant Pushpanjali, a traditional invocatory piece where Sanjana offered flowers to the Almighty, seeking blessings for a successful performance. Set to Raga Nattai and Talam Aadi, the piece showcased her graceful movements and poise, setting the tone for what was to come.

This was followed by the Ardhanareeshwar Stotram in Ragamalika and Talam Aadi. In this beautiful composed by Shri G Elangovan, Sanjana brought to life the concept of Ardhanarishwara—the unity of Shiva and Shakti. Her intricate footwork and expressive abhinaya captured the divine balance of masculine and feminine energies, leaving the audience spellbound.

The centrepiece of the recital was the Varnam, the most complex and elaborate item in a Bharatnatyam repertoire. Composed by Padmashree K N Dandayudapanipillai and set to Navaragamalika, Talam Aadi, the piece allowed Sanjana to demonstrate her prowess in both nritta (pure dance) and abhinaya. She portrayed the Virahotkanthita Nayika passionately devoted to Lord Shiva, vividly expressing her longing and devotion through intricate footwork set to jatis compsed by Rashmi Khanna and captivating expressions. The audience was transported into her narrative, feeling every emotion, she conveyed.

The recital continued with a padam, Yaaradi inda vaasalil vandu, a composition of Guru K N Dandayudapanipillai, set to Raga Shanmugapriya and Talam Rupakam. Sanjana’s playful yet poignant portrayal of a Nayika questioning her Sakhi about a mysterious visitor demonstrated her mastery of storytelling through dance.

The evening’s spiritual crescendo came with Hari Tum Haro, a Meera Bhajan in Raga Darbari Kanada and Talam Aadi. Through three poignant episodes—Draupadi’s disrobing, Prahlad’s unwavering faith, and the rescue of the elephant by Lord Vishnu (Gajendra Moksham)—Sanjana showcased the divine grace and mercy of the Lord. Her emotive expressions and synchronized movements brought the stories to life, earning thunderous applause from the audience.

The recital concluded with a vibrant Tillana composed by Guru K J Govindarajan in Raga Hindolam and Talam Aadi, which served as a testament to Sanjana’s technical brilliance and stamina. The finale was met with a standing ovation, as the audience celebrated the culmination of an extraordinary performance.

The performance was elevated by the exceptional orchestral ensemble with Guru Smt. Rashmi Khanna on the nattuvangam, Shri G. Elangovan on vocals, Shri M.V. Chandershekar on the mridangam and Shri G. Raghuraman on the flute.