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Showing posts from August, 2008

VISHAKHA HARI - Tyagaraja Ramayanam

Vishakha Hari - Tyagaraja Ramayanam One has not come across such a huge gathering for a religious discourse in Chennai in recent times. This was the thought that crossed one's mind visiting the Asthika Samajam at Venus Colony to hear the Harikatha Kalakshepam of young Vishakha Hari. On the final day, the audience braved the rain and listened to her, umbrellas and inverted chairs providing shelter. A smart looking young woman demurely draped in a nine yards silk sari, single plait adorned with jasmine, Vishakha narrates Tyagaraja Ramayana sitting in front of a small desk. Armed with reference papers, she occasionally uses the chiplakattai in her hand. Striking aspect Vishakha is blessed with a ringing voice and fluency of communication. Her rigorous training in Carnatic music is a striking aspect. Probably that is her strength as well as vulnerability. She draws energy through music. The audience promptly erupts into applause whenever she completes the rendition of a kriti. This tra