Aliveni...

*Aliveni enthu cheyvu, hantha njanini maanini

nalina mizhi shree padmanaabhan iha vannillallo...* (A Maharaja Swathi Thirunnaal Padam.)

Like most of the other padams written during that era (of Devdasi system), this one also, is throughout the lyrical and the instrumental sway, trying to express the love of the protagonist (danseuse) towards her lover (referred to herein as  Shree Padmanaabhan { Lord Vishnu}). 


She is young. She is vibrant. She is full of love. And, she is hopeful...

In the lyrics of this padam, the danseuse, is referring to her friend as *Aliveni* (beautiful lady with long hair), and is fondly inquiring the reason as to why He (Lord Vishnu) hasn't come back yet to be with her. She says, *Oh thee lady with beautiful hair, what shall I do now???*

The whole padam speaks of anticipation... The yearning of the protagonist for her lover... 

 This is one padam thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. It has got the expressions of the danseuse in a subtle manner, through the music as well as the lyrics... The youthfulness in the lyrics, in the anticipation, in the expressions and movements of the danseuse is beautiful. 

She finds his presence in almost everything. Even the flowing breeze brings the scent of the sandal that perhaps He applied on his body. The flowers remind him of her... The full moon... The butterflies. Everything in the nature, as if is speaking to her, about him... And she can't help, but repeatedly ask her friend as to why she is in this state of misery... Still...

Like most of the other padams in Mohiniyattam, this one is no exception... What starts in anticipation and longing, ends in the same... 

XIX CWG gift.

Ready for the stage  (click on the link)

Accidentally this opportunity fell into my lap... Didn't know, what the interview was about when i was contacted. But never in my wildest of dreams did I dream anything of this magnitude. Don't even know whom to thank this for. My gurus, parents, the people I get connected to...