Krishnaya Tubhyam Namaha

Krishnaya Tubhyam Namaha is well known as the first solo thematic dance presentation which made history when it was premiered in 1975 by the legendary Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam. Even today, almost a half century later, like the hero of the subject, this program is still popular. It portrays Krishna in his varied dimensions – as the divine baby, the mischievous young boy, the performer of miracles, the heroic husband, beloved friend, protector of his devotees, and the Supreme Preacher. Mahati Kannan, a direct disciple and grand-niece of Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, has inherited her legacy and has done full justice to her lineage and her training by becoming one of the most talked about and praised young dancers today.

Born into a family of musicians and dancers, it is no surprise that young Mahati Kannan has grown into an excellent artist in her own right. The joy of rhythm and movement finds lyrical expression in Mahati’s performance.  If the face is the index of the mind and the mirror of one’s feelings, Mahati displays myriad nuances of a wide gamut of emotions – joy, sorrow, love, longing, separation, determination, stoicism, dejection, and triumph. Krishna comes to life in her portrayal, as do the other characters in her presentation. Mahati, like her grand-aunt, is a master at switching roles in the blink of an eye – from little Krishna to the evil snake Kaliya, from the devoted and loving Rukmini to the lover Krishna, and from the hesitant Arjuna to the Divine Teacher Krishna who brings awareness to Arjuna of his duties and responsibilities. Indeed, one feels that the stage is peopled with many characters, and not just one single dancer, while watching Krishnaya Tubhyam Namaha. Mahati is a perfect example of beauty and brains harmoniously melding in one person. She has a Masters in art history from the National Museum Institute, New Delhi, which has given her a better structure to her perception and study of the subject which, in turn, has opened new possibilities to apply that knowledge to dance as well. This is fully in evidence in Krishnaya Tubhyam Namaha. Mahati with be accompanied by a group of extraordinary musicians from India – Dr. Gayatri Kannan (Nattuvangam & Vocal), Kannan Balakrishnan (Veena), Nagai Sriram (Mridangam), and M. S. Ananthasree (Violin & Vocal).Samskriti is indeed privileged to present Mahati Kannan in the timeless Krishnaya Tubhyam Namaha.