Padmashree Smt Aruna Sairam On Karuna Rasa (Compassion)

Posted on 01/12/2011 in Women Exclusive

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  By Rajee Mani

  DECEMBER SEASON SPECIAL

  Human life is a beautiful panorama, painted primarily with the rich colours of the emotional state of the mind. Whereas shad rasas (6 rasas) are attributed to the tongue, Navarasas ...9 rasas... go to mould the colourful patterns of the Kaleidoscope of our mind. The navarasas that are categorized in the Indian performing arts are Karunya (compassion), Bhayanaka (fear), Shringara (love), Hasya (humour), Rowthra (anger), Beepathsya (disgust), Veera (valour, courage), Athputha (wonder), and Shantha (peace or bliss). Some versions include Shoka (pathos) in the bhayanaka element. It is interesting to note that these emotions exist as independent entities in the labyrinth of the mind: many times we see that one rasa also gives way to another... one leads to another... one incident is a medley f many rasas... and that's what makes this fabric of life, so colourful... so enchanting.......

  And this Madras music season, some of the great performers and achievers of our classical music, dance and theatre have shared with us episodes in their professional life where one or more of these rasas dominated. These interesting incidents give us an insight into the nature of the terrain they have traversed to reach the top of the ladder.

  Our Special Correspondent, Rajee Mani weaves together from the diaries of our top artists, a garland of myriad colours, soaked with Navarasa anubhoothi in their lives.......

  During one of my concerts a few years ago, I was in the green room, just getting ready to go on stage: suddenly I heard a commotion outside... a modestly dressed lady was trying to enter the room... while the others around me were signaling that it was to begin the concert, my mind was filled with compassion for her... After all, anyone should have a good reason to knock on the green room doors just as the Kutchery was starting...... I called her quickly inside and asked her why she was gate crashing... Totally taken aback by surprise at my attitude, she exclaimed "Aruna ji! Your Karunya is amazing... I did not in the least expect you to spare your time just a few minutes before the concert commensed... Thank you but i just felt like telling you that inspite of today being my salary day, I have taken half a day's leave to listen to you... I missed my pay cheque today though I have all my bills waiting for me tomorrow... If only you can sing "Thanthai thaai irunthaal..." in Shanmukapriya, that will enthrall me much beyond my missed pay cheque today... She went on to confide in me very quickly, all her problems with tears in her eyes and finished with how music alone alone keeps her going....

  Yes! that day's "Thanthai irunthal..." in Shanmukapriya was truly soaked with Karuna Rasa...

   

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