The margam format is ideally suited for young dancers to showcase their talent, as they embark on an exciting journey. Shreya Murthy, a disciple of Priyadarsini Govind, chose to present select compositions from the repertoire for her performance for Brahma Gana Sabha.

Shreya began with a Mallari in celebration of Nataraja, preceded by verses from Tirutandakam by Tirunavukarasar in Gambhiranattai. The description of familiar imageries associated with Shiva, such as the drinking of poison and the snake coiled around his neck were depicted in an interesting manner. A little more attention to detailing would have enhanced the appeal.

The varnam ‘Swamiyai azhaithodi vaadi’, a composition of Dandayudhapani Pillai in ragamalika, has the heroine speaking to her confidante to go and fetch her lord. Shreya’s ability to communicate ideas with clarity was seen in certain sequences — describing how the moon, which was once her companion with its coolness, now torments her like a ball of fire; memories of the romantic moments spent with him, the portrayal of Ardhanariswarar and the transition of a fearful venomous snake to a tame one that adorns the neck of Shiva.