Smarana: A Bharatanatyam Concert

This dance concert is an ode to remembering in all its forms: Smarana— tradition, memory, and emotional recall: of love, divinity, and beauty. Here, remembering becomes performance.

Embark on a journey through intrigue, devotion, and desire —

From the sacred soundscape of the Mallari (Gambhir Nattai) and Vidv. Lalgudi Jayaraman's Sri Jagdeshwari Durga (Ahir Bhairav Raga)

To a nayika’s searing emotional world in Netrandi Neratille (Huseini Raga),

And Krishna’s playful deceptions in Nee Indha Mayam (Dhanayasi Raga),

All culminating in the joyous celebration of the Tillana (Desh Raga).

Featuring an ensemble of esteemed artists, this performance brings together exceptional artistry in mridangam, violin, nattuvangam, and abhinaya and nritta. Aparna Srivastava presents this Bharatanatyam solo capturing tradition for today’s audience,  working with esteemed musicians Sridhar Vasudevan, Manohar Balatchitrane, Jasmine Kaur, and G Raghavendra Prasath.

Aparna Srivastava is a Bharatanatyam artist, choreographer, and interdisciplinary arts practitioner whose work spans over 15 years across India and internationally, including performances at the Commonwealth Games, NYU Tisch, and esteemed venues across India. Her practice blends classical performance with feminist and socially resonant storytelling, earning endorsements from the GoI, director Mira Nair, for whom she choreographed A Suitable Boy. Aparna’s research-led productions, including work on the 18th-century courtesan-poet Muddupalani, have been featured by the London Arts Based Research Centre, at the Jaipur Literature Festival and other venues. Rooted in community engagement and artistic excellence, Aparna’s work offers partners a meaningful opportunity to support heritage, gender equity, and contemporary cultural expression.

Dr. Sridhar Vasudevan, a prominent disciple of Dr. Vyjayanthimala Bali and Jayalakshmi Ishwar, is a renowned Carnatic musician, vocalist, and Bharatanatyam dancer. Known for his dual mastery in dance and music, Dr. Vasudevan believes in the inseparable connection between these art forms, viewing them as body and soul. His performances, grounded in extensive sadhana and his guru’s teachings, showcase his expertise. He has contributed significantly as a composer and vocalist for various classical performances. Based in Delhi, Dr. Vasudevan continues to practice and teach, carrying forward the legacy of his esteemed mentors and founded the HAMSINI Center in New Delhi in 2003.

Jasmine Kaur is a Delhi-based Bharatanatyam dancer and Founder-Director of Nivedya School of Dance, a leading online classical dance school in India. A recipient of the prestigious CCRT scholarship for Young Artists, she has built a vibrant community of over 2.7 lakh dance enthusiasts online and teaches Bharatanatyam to students worldwide. With over 15 years of training, Jasmine currently trains under Sri Mavin Khoo. She has also studied the Natyashastra under Padma Vibhushan Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam and has performed both in India and abroad. She has been privileged to conduct dance orchestra as nattuvanar at respected venues including Krishna Gana Sabha and the Nishagandhi Festival.

Manohar Balatchandirane is a well-known mridangam player, an Indian percussion instrument, and is recognized as one of India's finest young mridangam artists. He began learning the instrument at the age of five from his guru, Kumbakonam Shri Padmanaban. Manohar has performed extensively in India and internationally, including in Dubai, Japan, and Singapore. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his musical talent, including performing for the President of India in 2007. Manohar's musical journey includes a blend of traditional training and modern influences.

C. Raghavendra Prasath is an ‘A Grade’ Carnatic violinist with All India Radio and Doordarshan, India. A Silver Medallist in his Master’s in Karnatak Music from Delhi University, he is known for his depth, precision, and emotive artistry on the violin. Raghavendra has performed violin solos at several prestigious venues across India, including the India Habitat Centre (New Delhi), the December Music Season Sabhas in Chennai, and other leading cultural platforms.

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