The Department of Fine and Performing Arts, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, GITAM Deemed to be University, Hyderabad, organized an enchanting Mohiniyattam duet recital by accomplished dancers Neema Nikhil and VeenaUnnikrishnan at the Dance Studio on Monday.
The performers, senior disciples of MythiliMarattAnoop, Dance Faculty at GITAM, have represented her renowned troupe at several prestigious cultural festivals and national platforms. Both dancers hold diplomas in Mohiniyattam, while Neema Nikhil is also a Doordarshan-graded artist, reflecting her excellence in the classical dance tradition.
The recital commenced with a soulful Devi Stuti, choreographed by MythiliMarattAnoop, based on selected verses from the LalitaSahasranamam and set to the evocative SopanaSangeetham, the distinctive devotional and theatrical musical tradition of Kerala. The performance beautifully captured the grace, devotion, and expressive elegance that define Mohiniyattam. The second presentation featured Utsavaprabandham, a vibrant festival composition by Maharaja SwathiThirunal.
Through expressive storytelling and graceful abhinaya, the dancers portrayed a playful dialogue that unfolds as a guessing game about the identity of a deity arriving on a magnificent golden lotus-shaped chariot. One dancer suggests that the divine figure is Lord Indra, the king of the gods, while the other counters that Indra should possess a thousand eyes.
The conversation continues with other divine possibilities, including the Moon God, whose identity is also questioned due to the absence of the moon’s characteristic blemish. The engaging exchange ultimately culminates in the revelation that the deity is none other than Lord Padmanabha, delighting the audience with its lyrical beauty and dramatic charm.
The recital concluded with an energetic Thillana composed by the legendary Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna, featuring Telugu lyrics that blended rhythmic brilliance with graceful movement, leaving the audience spellbound.
Faculty members, students, and art enthusiasts warmly appreciated the performance, applauding the dancers for their technical finesse, expressive artistry, and stage presence.
Speaking on the occasion, the organizers stated that such programmes are part of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts’ ongoing efforts to foster artistic excellence, preserve India’s rich cultural heritage, and create a vibrant creative environment on the GITAM Hyderabad campus through regular performances and interactions with accomplished artists.
