Rasa, rhythm & rajneeti at Rangapravesham

Where the hands are, the eyes follow; where the eyes go, the mind follows; where the mind is, feeling evolves; and where feeling evolves, rasa flows.” Kuchipudi exponent Raja Reddy quoted the Natya Krama Shloka in a video message played during Ilesha Singh’s Rangapravesham, and the 15-year-old brought its principles to life during her recital at Kamani Auditorium. With live vocals and the rhythmic beats of cymbals and mridangam, Jayant Chaudhary and Charu Singh’s daughter Ilesha made her formal debut as a solo Kuchipudi performer.

(L-R) Kaushalya Reddy, Radha and Raja Reddy

The recital began with the Venkatesh Stotram, followed by Dashavataram, depicting the 10 avataras of Vishnu. It then turned to spiritual love with Meera’s bhajan Saanson Ki Maala. Speaking about the choice, Kaushalya Reddy said, “Dance has no language, but when the audience understands the bhasha of the song, they appreciate the dance form even more. In this attempt, the dancer performed to the Meera bhajan.” To conclude the evening, Ilesha presented Tarangam, showcasing intricate footwork on a brass plate.

Ilesha Singh

I still remember Ilesha was a baby when she started tagging along with her sister Sahira to the dance classes. Now, she has had her rangapravesham

Kaushalya Reddy, Kuchipudi exponent

Charu Singh and Jayant Chaudhary

‘Rajneeti ke manch aur rang manch mein kuch similarities hain’Addressing the gathering, Jayant Chaudhary said, “Today’s focus is Ilesha. I know that just as the bond between parents and children is sacred, so is the relationship between a guru and a disciple. I congratulate Raja Radha Reddy ji and Kaushalya Reddy ji.” He added, “Rajneeti ke manch aur rang manch mein kuch similarities hain – the lights, the stage, the storytelling and gestures (mudra), say, during elections,” as he attempted a Kuchipudi hand gesture on stage.

Jyotiraditya M Scindia and Priyadarshini Raje Scindia

The buzz beyond politicsPolitics and recent protests may have seemed like natural conversation starters, given the guest list – a vibrant mix of politicians, their spouses and connoisseurs of the performing arts. But the room had other priorities during high tea. There was the usual chatter about Delhi’s unpredictable weather, while one conversation that unexpectedly floated across the room was about Pilates. Over plates of paneer kebabs and Korean chaat with spinach and pomelo, as the fragrance of mogra lingered in the air, it was a reminder that the most ordinary conversations can become common ground.