Shijith and Parvathy throughout a efficiency.
| Photograph Credit score: Particular Association
The younger lad from Payanoor, who was being interviewed for admission in a prestigious cultural establishment, was requested if he may sing. A lot to the shock of the interview panel, he promptly sang the movie tune ‘Kaadhal rojave’, as a substitute of a classical composition. Any doubts that assailed him after that had been put to relaxation when he discovered his identify on the chosen record the following day. Thus, Shijith Nambiar entered the portals of Kalakshetra, starting a journey into the world of Bharatnatyam. He not solely discovered his life’s calling right here but in addition his soulmate, Parvathy Menon. Collectively they slowly made a mark on the planet of dance.
Initiated into arts at a younger age by his father, Shijith was an everyday participant in cultural actions at school and faculty. Ridiculed for his penchant for dancing, Shijith felt demoralised. It was then that his father introduced him to Chennai.
However the going was nonetheless not simple. Shijith was initially disheartened by the shortage of alternatives for male dancers. Quickly his expertise and arduous work introduced him the much-needed recognition. After his coaching in Kalakshetra, Shijith realised the necessity to discover the artwork to seek out his personal area and expression. “I started to choreograph compositions for my solo performances. It gave me immense satisfaction and pleasure.”
An admirer of G. Narendra’s work, Shijith was eager to study from him. “I used to be delighted when Narendra invited me to play the position of Kovalan in his manufacturing of Silapadhikaram. Extra such memorable experiences got here his approach when he labored with the Dhananjayan’s and Leela Samson on their productions.
Whilst he carried out as a soloist, his profession launched into a brand new path with Parvathy. Talking of the various adjustments that they needed to adapt to, Parvathy says, “I used to be all the time part of the Kalakshetra repertory and by no means carried out as a solo artiste, so I may take to his concepts simply, however for him, after experiencing the liberty that solo performances supply, dancing as a duo was difficult. Over a time frame, we turned comfy sharing the stage.”
Life on and off stage
| Photograph Credit score:
Particular Association
Shijith and Parvathy have devised methods to deal with choreographic productions collectively. They’ve their roles clearly lower out. Ideation, music, lighting and costume are largely dealt with by Shijith. The 2 owe to the coaching at Kalakshetra for with the ability to handle numerous sides of a efficiency.
Speaking about how they go about choreographing actions, Shijith says, “Earlier, we targeted solely on synchrony in our actions. However as we developed as artistes, we have now realised the necessity to accommodate one another’s concepts and make it seem seamless.”
The 2 imagine in consistently analysing their work and improvising. “You need to hold observing and imbibing. Each are important to maintain up the inventive spirit,” says Parvathy.
In line with the couple, they’re now at a part when the pressures of efficiency have taken a backseat. It’s extra about discovering contentment and pleasure within the course of and presentation. “We’re additionally specializing in nurturing our inventive area ‘Sakhi’. We all the time wished such an area, the place artistes may interact with one another and the artwork in a holistic surroundings. An area the place the brand new era of performers can confidently embrace creativity”.
