Apeksha Niranjan captivated the audience with her emotive Bharatanatyam recital, “Nayanam.”  This performance showcased the profound expressive power of the eyes, highlighting their role in conveying a spectrum of emotions and stories says Sakshi Priya

In a Magical evening of dance and expression, Bharatanatyam artist Apeksha Niranjan presented her latest production, “Nayanam,” at the India Habitat Centre in Delhi. “Nayanam,” meaning “eyes” in Sanskrit, delved into the myriad emotions conveyed through the eyes, ranging from joy and love to sorrow and longing. This thematic exploration highlighted the eyes’ significance as windows to the soul, showcasing their ability to define beauty, communicate emotions and enhance the storytelling aspect of dance.

Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form, relies heavily on the eyes as a powerful medium of expression, transcending language, race and culture. Apeksha Niranjan’s performance beautifully captured this essence, showcasing how the eyes can communicate the unspoken and tell stories that resonate deeply with the audience. The evening began with an alarippu that depicted the various shaped eyes of the gods, setting a spiritual and mystical tone for the recital. Alarippu, traditionally an invocation, was presented with intricate eye movements that conveyed a multitude of divine perspectives. Apeksha’s eyes danced with each movement, narrating stories and emotions without uttering a word. Her portrayal of the divine and the human, the sacred and the mundane, was nothing short of enchanting.

Apeksha’s dedication to her art form was evident as she seamlessly transitioned from one emotion to another, her eyes capturing the essence of each character she portrayed. The audience was immediately drawn into the performance, experiencing the spirituality and depth of the dance. In the Varnam segment, Apeksha explored the complex emotions that eyes can convey, such as anger, fear, sparkle and joy. Each sentiment was meticulously portrayed through her expressions, making the audience feel the intensity of each emotion. Apeksha’s eyes were the protagonists of her performance, embodying every character and narrative with authenticity and grace.

The Varnam segment is traditionally the centerpiece of a Bharatanatyam performance, known for its complexity and depth. Apeksha’s rendition was a masterclass in emotive storytelling. Through her eyes, she conveyed the myriad facets of human emotions, from the tender glances of a lover to the fierce gaze of a warrior. Her performance illustrated the power of non-verbal communication, proving that sometimes, a single glance can speak volumes. A unique feature of the evening was the special presentation on Polish folk music, where Apeksha depicted a young girl expectantly waiting for her lover. This unexpected fusion of Bharatanatyam with Polish folk music left the audience mesmerised. The applause and never-ending appreciation were a testament to the seamless integration of these two diverse cultures through dance.

The Polish folk music piece was a refreshing departure from the traditional Bharatanatyam repertoire, yet Apeksha managed to weave it into the narrative effortlessly. Her portrayal of the young girl, filled with anticipation and longing, was both poignant and powerful. The use of Bharatanatyam to express the emotions in Polish folk music showcased Apeksha’s versatility as a dancer and her ability to transcend cultural boundaries through her art. Apeksha’s performance continued to captivate with a segment on a Surdas bhajan, showcasing the love of a bhakt for his lord. Her eyes, reflecting devotion and surrender, brought the bhajan to life, creating a profound spiritual experience for the audience. Each gesture and expression was imbued with deep reverence, highlighting the spiritual connection between the devotee and the divine.

The Surdas bhajan segment was a testament to Apeksha’s ability to convey complex emotions through her dance. Her portrayal of the bhakt’s unwavering devotion and love was deeply moving, resonating with the audience on a spiritual level. Apeksha’s eyes, filled with devotion and reverence, were the focal point of this performance, drawing the audience into the spiritual journey of the bhakt. Another remarkable composition was the Vatsalya Padam, where she portrayed a mother searching for her child after a scolding. This piece beautifully captured the nuanced emotions of a mother’s love and concern, again through the eloquence of her eyes. Apeksha’s performance in this segment was both tender and powerful, showcasing the depth of a mother’s love and the emotional turmoil that comes with it.

The Vatsalya Padam was a touching portrayal of maternal love and concern. Apeksha’s eyes conveyed the mother’s desperation, regret and eventual relief upon finding her child. The audience could feel the intensity of the mother’s emotions, making this segment one of the highlights of the evening. The recital was not just about dance; it was about preserving and showcasing the rich heritage of classical dance to the world. Apeksha Niranjan’s “Nayanam” was a celebration of the language of the eyes, a tribute to their unparalleled ability to communicate emotions and stories. Through her performance, Apeksha demonstrated the timeless beauty and relevance of Bharatanatyam in today’s world.

Apeksha Niranjan’s “Nayanam” was a vivid reminder of how the eyes, with their silent eloquence, can speak volumes. Her performance was a journey through emotions, stories and traditions, all conveyed through the captivating language of the eyes. It was an evening that left an indelible mark on everyone present, reinforcing the timeless adage that the eyes are indeed the windows to the soul. As the curtains drew to a close, the audience was left in awe of Apeksha Niranjan’s ability to convey such profound emotions through her dance. “Nayanam” was more than just a performance; it was a celebration of the expressive power of the eyes and the rich heritage of Bharatanatyam. Apeksha’s dedication to her craft and her ability to transcend cultural boundaries through her art were truly inspiring.

In a world where appreciation for classical arts is dwindling, it is crucial for us to recognise and celebrate the talents that keep our cultural heritage alive. As those who were present can attest, Apeksha Niranjan’s performance was a witness  to the timeless beauty of Bharatanatyam, a dance form rooted deeply in our culture and heritage.

In the words of Apeksha herself, “Jo lafze nahi baya karti , wo aankhein baya karti hain,” meaning, “What words cannot express, the eyes do.” Her performance was a testament to this truth, leaving the audience with a deeper appreciation for the art of Bharatanatyam and the silent eloquence of the eyes.