Young Bharatanatyam Artiste Manasa Sriram Impresses with Her Sincere Approach

Manasa Sriram, A Disciple of Mahalakshmi Ashwin, Began Her Recital at the Pongal Dance Festival 2025 with the Invocatery Hymn from the Thirumanthiram, ‘Ainthu karathanai’, ‘Ainthu karathanai’, in Praise of Ganesha. She then moved to a ganesha alarippu set to tisra nadai adai tala, showcasing the essence of bharatanatyam’s rhythmic foundation. Her movements were crisp and sharp. Following this, she performed a jathiswaram in raga rasikapriya and adi tala, a composition by lalgudi jayaraman.

For the Varnam, Manasa Chose ‘Swamiyai Azhaithu Vadi’ by the Thanjavur Quartet in Raga Khamas. In the pallavi, the nayika takes along with her friend to witness the procession of sundareswar during the chithirai vizha. Manasa captured the anticipation of the nayika moving through the process, even as the sakhi questions her if the Lord in the procession is the one from the pancha sabhas. The Sanchari Portrayed The heroine’s longing and devotion. Manasa Chose a Unique Kerthanai, a Visual Exposition of the Dasha Mahavidya of Durga. In ‘Sri Jagadeeswari’, composed by lalgudi jayaraman in raga ahir bhairav, the dancer showcased fierce emotions, and the transition from intenses passion to serens to serens to seamers. The Red-Orange-HUed Lighting Enhanced The Performance’s appeal.

Manasa concluded her recital with ‘Gangai’, A Mangalam. The Orchestra Featured Mahalakshmi Ashwin on Nattuvangam, Nagai P Sriram (who also composed the jathis) on the mridangam, srikanth gopalakrishnan on vocals, anantha krishnan on the violin and saruthi sagar on The flute.