Delhi-based Kuchipudi dancer L. Shruthi, a senior disciple of Gurus Seetha Nagajothy and P. Nagajothy, presented her solo recital at the Aadi Dance Festival 2026. Her gurus, senior disciples of the legendary Vempati Chinna Satyam, carry forward his illustrious bani.

Shruti commenced her recital with ‘Vani ki vandhanam’, an invocatory piece, written and choreographed by Seetha Nagajothy and set to music by K.G. Rupa. The composition, set in Ragamalika and Adi tala, invokes Saraswati, celebrating her as the embodiment of knowledge and the arts. Shruti’s measured execution complemented the devotional mood of the piece.

She next presented ‘Koluvaithiva rangasayi’, choreographed by Vempati Chinna Satyam in ragamalika and Adi tala. The devotional composition describes the divine beauty of Ranganatha reclining on Adisesha, conveying the idea that even a thousand eyes are insufficient to behold his splendour. The choreography interspersed intricate jathis with gentle abhinaya, demanding both rhythmic precision and emotive interpretation. Shruti negotiated her sharp footwork with confidence and grace.

The mood shifted with ‘Bhamakalapam’, the popular dance-drama excerpt that introduces Satyabhama. Choreographed by Vempati Chinna Satyam in Anandabhairavi raga and Misra Chapu tala, the piece offered Shruti ample scope to portray the heroine’s pride, grace and charm. Her expressions effectively conveyed the nuances of Satyabhama’s character.

The recital concluded with Narayana Tirtha’s Tarangam from Shri Krishna Leela Tarangini. Choreographed and conceptualised by Seetha Nagajothy and P. Nagajothy, this piece is set in Ragamalika and Adi tala. It seamlessly segued into Kuchipudi’s signature brass-plate sequence. Balancing on the rim of a brass plate, Shruti executed intricate footwork and displayed commendable control, balance and rhythmic precision. The performance concluded with the mangalam.

Published - July 31, 2026 04:31 pm IST