The opening night of KNMA’s 2024 Performing Arts Programme featured an enchanting performance of ‘Adharam,’ where Carnatic vocalist Sudha Raghuraman and Odissi dancer Arushi Mudgal brought together the rich traditions of their art forms in a captivating celebration, writes SAKSHI PRIYA
The inaugural evening of KNMA’s 2024 Performing Arts Programme unfolded with an enchanting performance of Adharam Arts Programme brought a breath of fresh air, as two gifted artists, Sudha Raghuraman and Arushi Mudgal, took the stage for an unforgettable performance of Adharam. With the soulful strains of Carnatic music and the graceful flow of Odissi dance, the evening was a celebration of India’s deep artistic traditions, lovingly explored and reimagined. Both performers brought their hearts and souls into their art, creating a performance that felt deeply rooted yet refreshingly new.
KNMA opened its 2024 season at Kamani Auditorium in New Delhi with the outstanding production of Adharam. This captivating collaboration between Carnatic vocalist Sudha Raghuraman and Odissi dancer Arushi Mudgal highlighted the deep foundations of their respective art forms. The performance marked a brilliant beginning to the season, reinforcing KNMA’s commitment to promoting both traditional and contemporary cultural expressions. The evening unfolded as an intricate dialogue between two classical art forms. Raghuraman’s mastery of Carnatic music, with its complex ragas and improvisations, perfectly complemented Mudgal’s fluid and expressive Odissi movements. The harmony between the two was remarkable, as they explored the delicate interplay between music and movement, revealing the underlying connections that bind these distinct forms.
Odissi, a classical dance originating from Odisha, is celebrated for its graceful body movements, expressive gestures and intricate footwork. Mudgal’s performance exemplified the elegance and technical mastery for which she is known. Deeply grounded in the traditions of Odissi, her movements were precise, yet imbued with a contemporary sensitivity that brought fresh energy to the performance. The timelessness of the dance form was evident, but through Arushi’s interpretation, it felt alive and evolving. On the other hand, Carnatic music, with its emotive ragas and rhythmic complexity, was brought to life by Raghuraman’s powerful and evocative voice. Her rendition blended technical brilliance with profound emotional depth, elevating the performance and allowing the audience to feel the richness of the musical tradition she represents. Every note seemed to resonate with history, yet it was presented with an immediacy that felt current and relevant.
The uniqueness of Adharam lay in how these two distinct forms came together. The metaphor of the tree, deeply rooted with branches that spread wide, was fitting for the evening. Both artists are firmly grounded in the traditions of their art forms, yet through this collaboration, they expanded the boundaries, exploring new creative possibilities. This balance between preserving tradition and introducing new ideas was the heart of the performance.
The decision to commission this production shows its dedication to encouraging artistic innovation while staying true to cultural roots. By bringing together two masters of their crafts, KNMA demonstrated its vision of supporting performances that not only showcase artistic excellence but also inspire new ways of engaging with traditional forms.
As the evening progressed, the connection between music and dance created moments of exceptional beauty. There was a natural unity, where music flowed into the dance and the dance, in turn, responded to the music with grace and intensity. This collaboration created an artistic experience that transcended individual elements, forming something truly memorable. KNMA’s 2024 Performing Arts Programme has set a high standard with this opening performance. Adharam was a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of classical Indian art forms, while also showcasing their potential for innovation. Both Sudha and Arushi exemplified what it means to be guardians of tradition, while being open to new interpretations and creative explorations.
The performance of Adharam was a remarkable celebration of the rich traditions of Indian art, skillfully brought to life by both the artists. Their ability to fuse the intricate nuances of Carnatic music with the graceful movements of Odissi created a captivating experience that resonated on multiple levels. It was inspiring to witness how they not only honoured their respective traditions but also opened a dialogue between them, highlighting the beauty that emerges when different art forms come together.This collaboration was a beautiful reminder of how art can create a space where innovation thrives alongside heritage. The evening was a celebration of creativity and passion, leaving the audience with a profound sense of connection to the art and to each other.
Adharam offered more than just a display of talent; it was an immersive experience that underscored the power of artistic collaboration. As the audience left the auditorium, they carried with them the memories of a performance that was not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful, an evening that truly brought art to life and reminded everyone of its ability to inspire and uplift.
