CHENNAI: The noted kuchipudi-bharathanatyam artiste Sailaja’s multimedia production of Vaikundam, depicting 108 vaishnavite shrines (a group presentation at the Music Academy and Kamarajar Arangam) recently, revealed her graceful movements. She brought to the stage, the tale of cosmic properties.
A perfectionist at heart, she never fails to mesmerise the audience with her performances and sublime dancing. Cherishing the encouragement and adulations from the audience, Sailaja says, “I believe that dance cannot be a mere geometry of the body, or repetition of rhythm. It has to touch the inner core in the viewers and me.” She establishes a good rapport with the audience. This shows her aesthetic sensitivity. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that she’s in command of her art form all the time, which is dynamic and captivating.
Her production Sivathai Manantha Tamil in the bharathanatyam format, performed at Music Academy, was well-received. Her other magnificent productions Purananooru’s Thai and Pachaikili, are hinged on contemporary, but withim the frame work of tradition. Sailaja’s articulate and rich facial expressions are a plus whenever she performs, besides her virtuosic athleticism.
Sailaja, who is also a noted organiser of festivals, has been conducting Nriya Sangama, a conglomeration of artistes, for the past five years. The event aims to pass on the tradition to the younger generation.
This Margazhi season, she will be presenting Vaikundam at the Bharathiya Vidaya Bhavan and Padma Seshadri Music festivals, apart from kuchipudi programmes, planned across the city in various sabhas. Sailaja says her work will be presented in a contemporary style with no compromise on the traditional aspects. Undoubtedly, her recitals enunciate brilliance and artistic prowess.