Ragamalika

By Mahesh Iyer

HOUSTON: The Ragamalika musical dance/drama, presented by Bharathi Kalai Manram (BKM), evoked an enthusiastic response from Houston’s very talented and knowledgeable audience. Directed by Krishna Sankar of Kalalaya Productions, this one-of-a-kind event was a fundraiser for “Naomi’s House”, (http://www.thenaomishouse.global)  a transitional home for victims of domestic violence and women that are incarcerated. The production was spearheaded by Mahalakshmi Krishnan who is a reputable playback singer and movie actress, based in Houston.

The dance/drama was indeed unique because of its seamless integration of classical music, light music (cinematic music), magnificent backdrops, expert histrionics, and of course a thought provoking storyline. The lead singers  Mahalakshmi Krishnan and Srikanth Balaji have vast experience in Carnatic genre of music in addition to a soothing timbre . Many people had tears of joy listening to the musical exchanges between them, particularly in the handling of eclectic ragas such as Pooriya Dhanasree. The storyline strongly repudiates the commercialization of music, while true talents become a collateral casualty. Of course, it all ends well, when the talented musicians perpetuate the development of upcoming talents and encourage them to perform.

Director Krishna who played a cameo role kept the audience in splits with his impeccable dialogue delivery and comic timing. In 2009, his short film “You Can” received the best positive vision documentary in New York Independent International Film Festival.