The programme commenced with a brief introduction of the events to unfold, followed by a prayer song by students. A video was screened tracing Janardhanan’s journey at Kalakshetra -- from his arrival at a tender age to his blossoming into a consummate artist, crossing various landmarks, his achievements, till his attaining the status that he has come to occupy in the minds and hearts of his students and contemporaries. There were tributes by Pushpa teacher who taught him, and Preetha Reddy recounting her days at Kalakshetra and her association with the veteran artist. Kalakshetra Chairman, S. Ramadorai, variously touched upon Prof. A. Janardhanan’s life, contribution and dedication to his alma mater.
Following the video clip was the welcome address by Revathi Ramachandran, Director, Kalakshetra Foundation. Besides highlighting the concept of the function and the need she felt for giving recognition to Prof. Janardhanan and his contribution to the growth and splendour of the institution, she also touched upon little-known aspects of Janardhanan Sir -- his help with costumes, make-up, teaching style, even mentioning that the stage curtain was completely designed by him. Welcoming the chief guest Babaji Rajah Bhonsle, Hereditary Trustee, Tanjavur Palace Devasthanam, Revathi mentioned that Tanjavur as a region, with the holy Kaveri river, had seen the fine arts flourish under three royal dynasties, the Chola, the Nayaks, and later the Marathas, and it was therefore apt that the chief guest should be from the region and one who had spent a lifetime in the preservation of culture and tradition. Later, in his speech, Babaji Bhonsle very beautifully explained his views and feelings on this subject. Revathi acknowledged the presence of all the senior gurus who had made it a point to attend the function as a mark of their affection for A. Janardhanan -- Pushpa teacher, N.S. Jayalakshmi, V.P. Dhananjayan, Sadanam Balakrishnan, Prof. C.V. Chandrasekhar, Savitri Jagannatha Rao, and Thomas a contemporary of Prof. Janardhanan.
There were two felicitation speeches -- by V.P. Dhananjayan and Sadanam Balakrishnan. Dhananjayan recalled the day Janardhanan arrived in Kalakshetra as a 16-year old boy, and said they have been friends ever since. He remembered the days spent as students of their Kathakali teacher Chandu Panikkar -- Janardhanan’s father who was a strict disciplinarian. Sadanam Balakrishnan, in spite of his indifferent health, graced the occasion and spoke about Prof. Janardhanan and his knowledge of Kathakali styles. He also made the profound statement that Janardhanan was presently the only person fully conversant with the unique Kalladikkotan style which is almost extinct in Kerala but still alive in Kalakshetra. In response to this comment, Revathi Ramachandran confirmed that Kalakshetra had started documenting this unique style with the sole purpose of its preservation. A surprise speaker was a Kathakali dancer who is also an advocate -- Ranjani Suresh, who had interacted with Prof. Janardhanan. She spoke glowingly about the great man and how she had vowed to carry forward the Kalladikkotan style of Kathakali and would not let it die. These speeches were followed by students, past and present, colleagues, and other attendees felicitating the nayaka of the evening. The concluding felicitation was by Anish Rajan from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. His view of the proceedings was refreshingly different. He aptly commented that rather than Kalakshetra and the assembled people honouring a person of the stature of Prof. Janardhanan it is an honour for us to be in a position to be able to conduct and attend such a function for one of the stalwarts of the artistic world. He, on behalf of his ministry, wished Prof. Janardhanan on this momentous occasion.
Babaji Bhonsle, who became a trustee at the age of 16, and is actively involved in the upkeep of 88 temples in the Tanjavur region, spoke glowingly about the cultural crucible that is Tanjavur. He traced the ups and downs of the cultural ethos that took place after each dynasty that ruled Tanjavur. He credited Rukmini Devi, Kalakshetra, and teachers like Prof. Janardhanan for the safe custody of this great art; he thanked each and every teacher present in the auditorium for being instrumental in this effort. He confessed a tinge of envy that Kalakshetra was situated in Chennai instead of Tanjavur. He said that when he was invited to the function and heard about the achievements of Prof. Janardhanan he wondered how does one felicitate such a man? Here too the great King Raja Raja Chozhan came to his aid. He narrated a story about the king who had so much respect for the sculptors who built his Big Temple that he even went to the extent of holding a ‘tamboolam’ as the artist worked! Prof. Janardhanan deserves such respect for his dedication and achievements, said Babaji Rajah. It was a touching tribute from one achiever to another.
Finally, it was natyacharya Janardhanan’s turn to say his piece. He recollected his journey through Kalakshetra, his association with Athai Rukmini Devi, his promise not to leave her -- a promise that he kept in spite of offers from other sources. He is still keeping that promise and is proud of the 65 years that he has spent there and aims to continue as long as he can – truly a phenomenal inning.
The evening concluded with a dance drama, Karna Sapatham, which was choreographed by Prof. Janardhanan. It was first staged in 1991 and is still as fresh as ever; the dancers have changed but the choreography has stood the test of time and was a visual treat for the audience.
- Bhavani Ravindran