On the occasion of its 109th Sri Ramanavami celebrations, the management committee of the sacred and heritage-rich Rama Mandira delighted music lovers by arranging excellent concerts by eminent artistes. One such memorable performance was by Vidushi Dr. N.J. Nandini.

Dr. Nandini, a fine vocalist hailing from a musical family, developed an interest in music at a very young age. She has been mentored by several accomplished gurus. A vibrant and expressive performer, her concert on April 11 at  Sri Bidaram Krishnappa’s Sri Prasanna Seetharama Mandira was a testament to her artistry. Accompanied by Vidu. Dr. Jyotsna Srikanth on violin, Vidu. H.S. Sudheendra on mridanga and Vid. Sreenidhi on ghata, Nandini showcased her deep understanding of Karnatak music, captivating the rasikas of Mysuru with her charm and musical depth.

Her mature manodharma shone through in every alapana and kalpana swara she rendered. The emphasis she places on bhava and classicism is evident in each composition she presents — these elements make her concerts particularly engaging. A blissful experience indeed. ‘Marivere Dikkevarayya Rama,’ a composition of Patnam Subramanya Iyer in the raga Shanmukhapriya, highlighted her clear diction and depth of raga bhava. A neraval at ‘Sannuthanga Shree Venkatesha Neevu’ was a classical treat, featuring melodic improvisations and colourful swaras by both Nandini and Jyotsna.

‘Gopalaka Paahimam Anisham,’ a beautiful composition by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal in raga Bhoopalam, was soothing and leisurely, setting a graceful tone. As if to enhance the mood, Nandini followed with a soulful alapana in Khamach. Both artistes were at their expressive best.

As expected, Mysore Vasudevacharya’s ‘Brochevarevarura’ was warmly received. The familiar chitteswara passages were delightful and to the listeners’ pleasant surprise, the chitteswara transitioned into a springboard for creative kalpana swaras! Needless to say, the audience was thoroughly thrilled.

Muthuswami Dikshitar’s ‘Mamava Pattabhirama’ in raga Manirangu and ‘Ninu Jeppa Karanamemi Rama,’ another gem from Patnam Subramanya Iyer in raga Mandari, paved the way for the main raga of the concert — Todi. Nandini took her time with it, unfolding the grandeur of the raga in a detailed and majestic manner. Jyotsna’s raga interpretation was equally commendable — she is undoubtedly a brilliant violinist.

‘Dachuko Valeno Dasharathi,’ a Tyagaraja composition in Jhampa tala, was sumptuous. The neraval at ‘Nemamuna Paricarya Nerpuna Bogaduvela Soumitri Tyagarajuni’ was soaked in classicism. The engaging musical dialogue between the vocalist and the violinist during the neraval and kalpana swaras was particularly lively. The tani avartanam was delightful, thanks to the seasoned artistry of Sudheendra and the youthful energy of Srinidhi. The tukkadas that followed were melodious, set in lovely ragas like Behag and Suruti. ‘Naneke Badavanu’ by Purandara Dasa was especially moving and will undoubtedly linger in the hearts of rasikas for a long time.

—Dr. Rama V. Bennur