Shweta Prachande on Varnajalam | Sami Ninne Kori Nanura, Ragamalika Varnam by Tanjore Quartet

Varnajalam Artist Conversations In this special conversation recorded as part of Varnajalam 2026, Shweta Prachande reflects on her deep and enduring relationship with Sami Ninne Kori Nanura, the celebrated Ragamalika Varnam in Rupaka Tala composed by the Tanjore Quartet. Having grown up watching her guru perform this iconic composition, Shweta shares how her understanding of the Varnam has evolved over the years, from youthful admiration to a deeper appreciation of its literary, musical, and dramatic subtleties. Through the lens of performance, she explores how the Tanjore Quartet crafted Varnams specifically for dance, creating compositions that invite the dancer to complete and expand the emotional world suggested by the sahitya. In this interview, she discusses: • What makes the Padavarnam uniquely suited for dance • How the Tanjore Quartet composed with movement and abhinaya in mind • The literary and dramatic richness of Sami Ninne Kori Nanura • The evolving relationship between dancer and Varnam across a lifetime of practice • The strength, confidence, and self-assurance of the Varnam's heroine • Why the greatest Varnams continue to reveal new meanings over time • The enduring genius of the Tanjore Quartet's compositional vision A thoughtful reflection on interpretation, artistry, and the timeless power of one of Bharatanatyam's most beloved Varnams. _____ Sami Ninne Kori Nanura Ragamalika Varnam Composer: Tanjore Quartet 📅 Date: 27 June 2026 🕠 Time: 5:30 PM 📍 Venue: MS Subbulakshmi Arangam, Taramani, Chennai Artists Shweta Prachande – Dance Jayashree Ramanathan – Nattuvangam Janani Hamsini – Vocal B Ananthakrishnan – Violin Kiran Pai – Mridangam Tickets available on KYN _____ About Varnajalam Varnajalam is a landmark festival dedicated entirely to the Bharatanatyam Varnam, the crown jewel of the classical dance repertoire. Presented by LAMPS Trust and Vaak, the festival brings together leading dancers and musicians to celebrate the artistic, musical, rhythmic and historical richness of the Varnam tradition. _______ Chapters 00:00 – Why Padavarnams Are Written for Dance 00:26 – Shweta Prachande on Varnajalam 2026 00:42 – Introducing Sami Ninne Kori Nanura 01:05 – “Saati Leni Kalyani” 01:13 – Confidence, Self-Respect, and Devotion in the Varnam 02:26 – Invitation to Varnajalam 2026