Flower is something that spreads joy for most people. But we often underestimate its beauty and fragrance. ‘Manjari — Mystique fragrances’, a Bharatanatyam recital by the Bengaluru-based dancer Divya Ravi explores what most of us have forgotten. She traces the mythological, spiritual and philosophical traits of a flower through her venture.
Divya, who came to Kalashakti Mandapam in Vaikom for her second performance in Kerala, believes that the idea struck her through divine intervention. “The flower is so common in life that I was surprised to know that no one has picked up the theme before. I believe that I was chosen to narrate the story of flowers to people,” she says. “I have choreographed other items in the past. However, this one and a half hour Manjari is my first full-fledged production.”
Divya was in Kochi two weeks ago to perform in the Dharani fest. A soloist, she has spent 13 months to prepare this Manjari based on flower. The script of the recital is written by Divya and her friend Sharan Subramanian. Divya had to begin from the scratch. “We had to do a lot of research on the significance of flower. I have taken four flowers for the recital — Askoa, Padma, Parijatha, and Thazhampoo. We wrote the script in English and then gave it to our composer to translate it into respective languages,” says Divya.
Four different languages have been used for the four songs in accordance with their nature. “Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Sanskrit are the four languages used in it. Each language has its own beauty and essence and each one is used according to the circumstances,” she says.
Ragas have also been chosen in accordance with the mood of the songs. “For instance, I have used a sad tune for Parijatha, which is a cursed flower. Whereas it is a totally different one for the Padma, the divine flower. I have given instructions on ragas to the composer while giving the script,” says the dancer who also works in the creative department of a digital marketing company.
Divya has also brought out innovations in the costumes without changing the basic pattern. Shades such as green and red that come to our mind while thinking of a flower have been incorporated into it.
The original music score and lyrics are by Karnataka Kalashree D.S. Srivathsa while rhythmic compositions are by Srihari Rangaswamy. “I have a great team to help me. Also, my family is supportive,” concludes Divya who is trained under Soundarya Srivathsa.
