Hymns to Hara: A solo Bharatanatyam performance by Sharanya Chandran

Acclaimed Bharatanatyam artist Sharanya Chandran is set to deliver a solo performance titled “Hymns to Hara” at Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, on Saturday, September 14, at 7:30 PM.

Chandran describes the performance as an exploration of Lord Shiva’s multifaceted nature: “Through ‘Hymns to Hara,’ I aim to delve into the diverse emotions associated with Lord Shiva, including love, awe, devotion, valour, and even disgust. The performance will showcase a carefully curated selection of Bharatanatyam repertoire that celebrates the divine through intricate choreography”.

“I have drawn from a broad spectrum of Indian literature, incorporating poems and verses in languages such as Tamil and Maithili. This diverse selection reflects both the complexity of Lord Shiva and the rich cultural tapestry of India,” she said.

Regarding the personal significance of the performance, Chandran said, “This is a particularly special performance for me. It marks my return to the stage after a hiatus, and I am excited to reconnect with my audience. Additionally, it is a tribute to my grandfathers, both ardent Shiva bhaktas, as we celebrate their birth centennials. September 14 also marks my ten-year anniversary at J-PAL South Asia, and I am proud to have successfully balanced my passions for development and dance”.

Accompanying Chandran will be her mother and guru, Padmashri Geeta Chandran, performing the Nattuvangam, while K Venkateshwaran will provide vocals. Manohar Balatchandirane will play the Mridangam, Varun Rajasekharan will be on the Ghatam, and G Raghavendra Prasath will play the Violin.

Sharanya Chandran, a disciple of Geeta Chandran, reflects on her journey: “I have been immersed in Bharatanatyam since the age of four and have continued to learn, choreograph, and perform both solo and with the Natya Vriksha Dance Collective. My performances at prestigious festivals in India and internationally have shaped my career”.

She also speaks about her dual career: “In addition to my dance career, I am a trained Development and Policy professional. I have worked with the Planning Commission, the National Skill Development Agency, and for the past decade, at J-PAL South Asia as Director of Policy and Communications. My academic background includes a BA (Hons) in Economics from LSR and a Masters in Development Studies from LSE, where I was an INLAKS scholar”.

When: 7:30 PM onwards; September 14

Where: Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi