Singapore’s cultural calendar gets a radiant addition this Vesak Day with Ananda Lahiri: Waves of Bliss, presented by Soorya Singapore on May 12 at PGP Hall, Serangoon Road.
The event promises a soul-stirring celebration of Indian classical arts, featuring two compelling segments – music and dance.
The evening will begin with a musical performance led by globally acclaimed mandolin maestro U. Rajesh, who is hailed for his seamless blend of tradition and innovation in Carnatic music.
Accompanying him are seasoned percussionists Mahesh Parameswaran (mridangam), Nawaz Mirajkar (tabla) and Swaminathan Selvaganesh (kanjira) – the latter, a prodigious talent and grandson of the legendary ghatam player Vikku Vinayakram.
Rajesh, the younger brother of the late Mandolin U. Shrinivas, carries forward the legacy with an international footprint that includes collaborations with Ustad Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan, and John McLaughlin, with whom he recorded the Grammy-nominated album Floating Point.
His virtuosity has lit up stages from Lincoln Center in New York to global music festivals.
Following the music, the spotlight shifts to a unique Kuchipudi-Kathakali dance drama titled Sita–Ravana Vaadham, a powerful retelling of the legendary confrontation between Sita and Ravana in Ashoka Vana from the Ramayana.
The graceful T. Reddi Lakshmi, an acclaimed Kuchipudi exponent and disciple of Padmasri Jayarama Rao, portrays Sita with emotive precision and fluid artistry.
Known for her global performances and her outreach efforts with underprivileged children, Lakshmi brings emotional depth and technical finesse to the stage.
Opposite her is Kalyana Krishnan Nair, a seasoned kathakali artist from The International Centre for Kathakali in Delhi, who commands the role of Ravana.
With extensive experience in India and abroad, his theatrical prowess and expressive strength promise to make the epic scene unforgettable.
Accompanying him is chutti artiste Kalanilayam Nitheesh, responsible for the intricate facial makeup and costume that complete Kathakali’s visual grandeur.
