Performances that tie together music, dance and theatre are ideal for any cultural festival. Bengaluru Lalitha Kala Parishat, in association with Ramasudha Charitable Trust, organised the Dr H Narasimhaiah Memorial Cultural Festival. It started on June 6 and featured light music by M D Pallavi, Hindustani music by Pandit Vinayak Thorvi, Carnatic music by Saketh Raman and a theatre performance by Kala Gangothri team.
The play Meshtru H N 85, Out But Not Out, directed by B V Rajaram was captivating. It highlighted the life and times of freedom fighter, physicist, visionary and rationalist Dr H Narasimhaiah.
Speaking about the five-day festival which has been organised to commemorate Dr H Narasimhaiah’s contribution to the field of education, Dr A H Rama Rao, president of Bengaluru Lalitha Kala Parishat and Ramasudha Charitable Trust said, “Narasimhaiah was a firm supporter of cultural activities, particularly theatre. He was supportive of curricular activities for students for it contributes to the overall development of an individual. Life is wholesome only when you try to understand and soak in the culture of your environment.” At the festival, Kannada playback singer, M D Pallavi mesmerised the audience with Bhavageete and devotional songs of well-known composers like K S Nisar Ahmed, K S Narasimhaswamy, Kuvempu and others. The melody, rhythm and texture of her voice was perfect.
The soothing flow of music presented by Vinayak Thorvi had connoisseurs in its hold.
The artiste’s rendition of Raag Poorvi and Hamir brought out the profundity of these Ragas. Pandit Vinayak was accompainied by Jagadish on Tabla and Madhu Bhat on Harmonium.
Saketh Raman’s rendition of Carnatic classical music was inspiring for young aspirants of classical music. The artiste was successful in unveiling the beauty of the Ragas he presented. The artiste was well accompanied by H K Venkatram on violin. B C Manjunath on Mridangam and G Guruprasanna on Khanjira matched their strokes to the melody.
This festival ends with a Bharatanatyam performance by Lakshmi Gopalaswamy on June 10 at Dr H N Kalakshetra, Jayanagar, from 6.30 pm onwards.