In a breathtaking display of enduring artistry, the legendary dancer and actress Vyjayanthimala Bali, at the remarkable age of 92, captivated an audience with a profound seated performance during the Margazhi season in Chennai. The event, held at Bharat Kalachar, became a powerful testament to the idea that true artistic expression knows no physical bounds.
A Performance of Profound Expression
On a pleasant Margazhi evening, the cultural hub witnessed an unforgettable moment as the nonagenarian icon performed an entire Bhavaabhinaya recital from a chair. With her eloquent eyes, nuanced facial expressions, and precise upper-body movements, Vyjayanthimala communicated a universe of emotion, reaffirming that age and physical constraints cannot diminish genuine talent. The performance was a masterclass in emotive storytelling, leaving the audience in awe of her undiminished passion and skill.
The Musical Partnership and Behind-the-Scenes Glimpse
Providing the musical foundation for this special recital was vocalist Girijashankar Sundaresan, who has collaborated with the veteran artist for nearly 11 years. He revealed that working with Vyjayanthimala is a unique and blessed experience. "She is a perfectionist," he stated, noting the primary change in their recent projects is her performing while seated. "But the impact remains just as powerful," he emphasized.
Girijashankar shed light on her distinctive rehearsal style, which is highly spontaneous. "She never fixes how many times a line has to be sung. Everything is very extempore for her," he explained. The performance's repertoire was rich and traditional, featuring:
- An invocation on Andal
- Eppadi Manam (a Ramanataka kriti)
- Dasiganunta (Padhyam)
- Yaar Poi Solluvar (Padam)
- Parulanna Mata (Javali)
- A concluding mangalam
Remarkably, the entire orchestra had only one full rehearsal, and Girijashankar met Vyjayanthimala just twice in preparation for the event.
Lessons from a Living Legend
For Girijashankar, the association has been deeply educational. He credits Vyjayanthimala with imparting invaluable knowledge over the years. "She has given me countless tips," he shared, "especially on how to sing for a dance performance without referring to notes and how to memorize compositions to maintain complete eye contact with the dancer."
Beyond technique, she has been a mentor and guru figure in his life. "She has taught me several rare compositions that are predominantly sung for dance. In many ways, she has truly taken on the role of a guru," he expressed with reverence. He makes it a point to visit her every Vijayadashami to seek her blessings, honoring the traditional guru-shishya parampara. This recent performance stands not just as a cultural event, but as a powerful inspiration, demonstrating that the spirit of art flourishes eternally.
