‘Kapi Sutra’: Hanuman Chalisa finds expression in Kuchipudi

Kuchipudi, the classical dance from Andhra Pradesh, has gained popularity in Chennai due to the pioneering efforts of Guru Vempati Chinna Satyam, who established the Kuchipudi Art Academy in the city, to popularise this art form. Continuing his legacy by imparting dance through this school is his prime disciple Srimoyi Vempati, who recently presented ‘Kapisutra – The Divine Algorithm of Bhakthi‘, a natya nadakam at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.

The presentation began with a mother (played by Srimoyi) narrating to her daughter the stories and significance of the various avatars of Lord Vishnu. The focus then moved to Vayuputra Hanuman, bringing episodes from the Ramayana to life through a dance interpretation of Tulasidas’ Hanuman Chalisa. 

The production was conceived, created and performed with an underlying sense of devotion, which formed the core of this work. The popularity of Hanuman Chalisa lent an immediate connect to the presentation.

Apart from the addition of tails to depict the vanaras, the dancers were uniformly attired in orange costumes. Through expressive movements, they brought the varied characters to life. The brisk pace of the sequences, well-coordinated movements, interesting adavu patterns and powerful nritta, complemented by an engaging musical score, sustained the momentum throughout.

Some of the more striking sequences included Hanuman’s first meeting with Rama; his journey to lanka; and his encounter with the demoness guarding its entrance, where he changes form to outwit her. His range of emotions, vividly reflected in his expressions upon finding Sita in the Asoka Vana, was another notable moment.

His valour and strength came to the fore in the sequences depicting the burning of Lanka and the ensuing battle. The depiction of his devotion through the dramatic gesture of tearing open his chest to reveal Rama within, was handled with subtlety and sensitivity.

The dancers need to be lauded for their seamless transitions from one role to another, maintaining the continuity and flow of the narrative.

Lighting design, by Surya Rao, enhanced the dramatic impact of the production, while the musical score by Keerthana Krishnamurthy was engaging. Srimoyi’s choreography did justice to the legacy of the institution.

The other dancers in the production included Vempati Lakshmi Kameshwari, Rhea Rajan, Anubhuthi Dey Sarkar, Chakravarthy D., Uday Kumar Gaddam and Asyashree Seshu Bhogireddy.