Perspectives on a warrior woman

Smitalay, spearheaded by Odissi exponent and Guru Jhelum Paranjape, in association with P. L. Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy, hosted a thematic dance programme, ‘Kaikeyi,’ in different styles by senior artistes, at the Ravindra Natya Mandir, Prabhadevi.

Dr. Kanak Rele, Guest of Honour, said that women should be treated as an important segment of society. “Whatever you do, keep the flag of women power flying high,” she added.

Talking about the theme, Jhelum pointed out, “The Ramayana has been told and retold. Yet the interest remains. More so when told from a woman’s perspective.” The theme pivoted around the warrior woman Kaikeyi. She was a loving wife to King Dasharatha and an affectionate mother to Bharat.

Simplicity of Tulsidas’ couplets, highlighting values such as ‘Pran jaye par vachan na jaye’ were well-depicted by senior Kathak artiste Uma Dogra. The music and narration were well-recorded too. Kaikeyi always thought that Ram was her true son. Sending him to the forest could be seen as a blessing by her as Ram received the benedictions of rishis and met devotees such as Sabari and Hanuman.

After the initial prologue, the focus light was on Manthara, ‘Manthara Tu itihas rachayi’. Dogra showcased a woman with less beauty but a sharp brain. The artiste communicated beautifully through her expressions.

Sharmila Mukherjee (from Bengaluru) began the Kaikeyi narration through Odissi. Catharsis is over, Kaikeyi is now old, in a flashback mode.

Based on abhinaya

Sharmila brought out the layers in Kaikeyi’s personality. She is not to be interpreted as a heartless, manipulative woman, but a loving consort, doting mother, warrior, strong-willed but a little confused, and experiences momentary anger and despair. Branded as a wily schemer, she is cursed by her own son.

Veteran artistes and gurus Shanta and V. P. Dhanajayan, who were to present Kaikeyi in the Bharatanatyam format, could not make it due to some problem. So Smitalay staged ‘Sita Haran’ at the last minute as a sequel to Kaikeyi.

Though the audience missed the presentation by the Dhananjayans, clippings from their choreography was projected on a huge screen. Dhananjayan as Kooni and the closed-door conversations between Kooni and Kaikeyi were interesting.

‘Sita Haran’ was in Odissi style by Jhelum and her students . Disciples portrayed Sita (making a garland), Ram, Lakshman, Ravan and Mareecha (as a deer darting around the stage was realistic). But it was Jhelum as Jatayu, who stole the show.

The costume and make up gave the characters an authentic look.