Renowned Bharatanatyam dancer Sharanya Chandran enthralled audiences with her solo performance, Hymns to Hara, on Saturday, September 14th, 2024 at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
Through this captivating presentation, Sharanya delved into the multifaceted nature of Lord Shiva, exploring the diverse emotions he evokes: love, awe, devotion, valor and even disgust. Hymns to Hara featured a carefully curated selection of Bharatanatyam repertoire, woven together to celebrate the divine.
Sharanya has drawn inspiration from a rich tapestry of Indian literature, incorporating poems and verses from languages such as Tamil, Mythili and more. This diverse selection reflects the multifaceted nature of Lord Shiva and the cultural richness of India.
Speaking about the performance, Sharanya Chandran said, “This is a particularly special performance for me. It marks my return to the stage after a hiatus and I was excited to reconnect with my audience. Additionally, it is a tribute to my grandparents, both ardent Shiva bhaktas, as we celebrate their birth centennials. And to add to the significance, September 14th also marks my ten-year anniversary at J-PAL South Asia. I am proud to have successfully balanced my passions for development and dance.”
Sharanya was accompanied by her mother and guru, Padmashri Geeta Chandran, on the Nattuvangam, K Venkateshwaran on Vocals, Manohar Balatchandirane on the Mridangam, Varun Rajasekharan on Ghatam and G Raghavendra Prasath on Violin.