Charukesi - A varnam that holds a very special place in my heart.
First performed for my Arangetram last November, and had the opportunity to revisit it again recently in March for London Margazhi 2026 (@ami_jay@ldnadavu )
Choreographed by @poorna.hariharan akka with Jathis set by my Guru Smt. Pushkala Gopal.
There are certain compositions that take you back to a very specific feeling or memory. This is one of them.
This varnam had been living in my head for years before I had the chance to learn it. Part of the first Margam I have ever performed, put together so beautifully by Poorna akka ā„ļø I was truly blessed to have been surrounded with such exceptional mentors and friends who were there to push me and bring the joy back into dance when I needed it the most.
Audio credits:
Vocal: Shruti Sriram & @vivekdineshmusic
Nattuvangam: Pushkala Gopal
Mridangam: @abhi_saha
Flute: @vijayvenkatmusic
Violin: @balu_raguraman
percussion: @koheesh._m
#classicaldance #bharathanatyam #dance #arangetram
Only 4 weeks to go!!! š
Super excited to be part of London Margazhi 2026. This is an incredible initiative put together by @ami_jay and @Idnadavu and am so grateful to be part of the 2 day festival which will be happening on the 21st and 22nd of March 2026.
I will be dancing on:
šļø: 22nd March 2026 from 4pm
š: The City Academy, Homerton Row, Hackney E9 6EA
Thank you to @sanskriti.uk and my Gurus Smt. Shruti Sriram & Smt. Pushkala Gopal for their undying support and guidance.
I would also like to thank @poorna.hariharan and @Irnidheesh for their mentorship and support.
Thank you to @pallavi.anand5 as my festival mentor in London Margazhi 2026
Most importantly thank you to @mavin_khoo and @vidhyasubramanian_art for the opportunity to be able to participate at London Margazhi 2026.
Get your tickets now!!
#bharathanatyam #classicaldance #margazhi #dance #londonadavu
An Excerpt of MÄlai PozhudÄ«nilÄ
Lord Muruga, disguises himself as an old man in an attempt to get closer to Valli and test her unwavering devotion. He requests food and water, persistently asking her to marry him. Upon Valliās refusal, he orders GhanÄs (elephants) to scare Valli into marriage and accept his proposal. Valli, tired of running, finally falls to his feet, surrendering to him, only to realise that the old man was none other than the Lord she had been yearning for, Lord Murga himself.
This story is a reflection of the JeevÄthmÄās (Soul) complete surrender to the ParamÄtmÄ (Supreme being), and how humans can be tested in various ways.
Performed during my Arangetram at @bhavanlondon
Choreographed by Smt Pushkala Gopal
Artists:
Vocal: Shruti Sriram & @vivekdineshmusic
Nattuvangam: Pushkala Gopal
Flute: @vijayvenkatmusic
Violin: @balu_raguraman
Mridangam: @abhi_saha
Percussion: @koheesh._m
š¹: @bavick.siva
#classicaldance #bharathanatyam #arangetram #bhavanlondon #sanskritiuk #classicaldance
A couple of photos from my Arangetram at the Bhavan London
@bhavanlondon
#dancer #bharathanatyam #classicalindiandance #india #bhavanlondon #arangetram #dance
š„ANDD HERE IS PART 2! š„
Introducing the next 4 dancers for the first-ever London Margazhi 2026! āØ
Chosen for their clarity, potential, and commitment to meaningful performance, they will spend the next few months crafting their solos with guidance from their mentor, and support from our community.
Weāre so excited to welcome Kavya Iyer, Rachana Suresh Kumar, Rajeswari Ramaswamy, and Varun Shivakumar into this journey! ā„ļø
A small excerpt of a Jaavali from my recent performance - Nee Maatale Emaayanura?
Ragam: Poorvi Kalyani
The Nayika (heroine) is growing tired of or her lovers false promises and finally confronts him saying āwhat happened to your words?ā
This is the introduction to the piece where she shows a dissatisfaction to the jewellery she already has and wants more opulent jewellery.
Video credits: @hashnasiva
Mridangam: Abhiram Sahathevan
Violin: Balu Raghuram
Flute: Vijay Venkat
Vocal: Shruti Sriram
Nattuvangam: Pushkala Gopal
Percussion: Koheesh Surenthiran
Youāre warmly invited to a special milestone!
Join us as Rachana presents her Bharatanatyam Arangetram, marking her debut solo performance after years of dedication.
š Date: Saturday, 1st November 2025
š Time: 4:30 PM
š Venue: The Bhavan, 4A Castletown Rd, London W14 9HE
RSVP via the link in bio!
#bharatanatyam #arangetram #sanskritiuk #indianclassicaldance #london #thebhavan
A glimpse of Charukesi Varnam in preparation for my Arangetram in November.
Choreographed by Poorna akka.
Sung by me
Video by Nandini
#bharathanatyamclassical #classicaldance #charukesi
