Geeta Chandran presents disciple Yushika Baid’s debut solo performance to public

Renowned Dancer and Guru (Padmashri) Geeta Chandran presented the Bharatanatyam Arangetram of her disciple Yushika Baid at Chinmaya Mission Auditorium, New Delhi, on Saturday evening, an event that witnessed a large turnout of music and dance lovers. It was enthralling to watch Yushika’s performance, undoubtedly one of the brightest talents to emerge from Natya Vriksha.

Yushika began the Arangetram performance with Pushpanjali followed by a Khandam Alarippu. The next piece was the Jatiswaram in the Ragam Kanada after which she performed the Varnam in the soulful ragam Behag which describes Krishna in all his glory the lotus-eyed lord to whom “I” have surrendered. These were followed by the two Padams; the first Padam, was dedicated to the Nataraja the lord of dance. Idathu Padam literally ‘lifting His left foot’ describes Shiva in his dancing Avatar, ‘The one who danced with his left foot raised’. The second padam, “Indendu Vachitivira” showcased a Nayika who confronts her unfaithful lover-Krishna. The padam was soaked in layers of sarcasm – laced with anger, sadness and humour. Yushika concluded her Arangetram with an energetic Thillana in the ragam Rageshwari.

Yushika was ably accompanied by Guru Geeta on Nattuvangam. Additionally, K. Venkateshwaran (vocals), Manohar Balatchandirane (mridangam), G. Raghavendra Prasath (violin), and Varun Rajasekharan (ghatam) added their artistry to the evening. Her performance received a standing ovation from critics, artists and well-wishers.

“The Arangetram is an important and special occasion for any Bharatanatyam dancer. I am feeling proud, over the moon and I am elated to perform the Arangetram under the watchful eyes of Akka and all the performing arts lovers. After arduous training, Akka (Guru Geeta) is confident that I’m ready for a solo performance, and it is an honour for me, as it marks the first milestone in my journey into the ocean of Bharatanatyam,” Yushika said.

After the performance of her disciple Yushika, Geeta was a proud Guru. “It’s always a special occasion when your disciple is ready for her solo performance and performs with such stamina, energy and confidence. It was an honour, a true tribute, I am very happy with the way she performed. Her skill and immersion in the spirit of the dance was a treat to watch, I hope she will grow and take her art to new highs,” she said.

During the evening Arjun Ram Meghwal (minister of state for parliamentary affairs & culture) was the chief guest, while Sudhamahi Regunathan (author, scholar and former vice chancellor, Jain Vishva Bharati University) and Anuradha Joshi (principal, Sardar Patel Vidyalaya) were the guests of honour.