The mridangam is the rhythmic backbone of the recital.
A double-headed drum played with both hands, the mridangam drives the tempo and matches the dancer's footwork syllable for syllable. Its interplay with the nattuvangam and the dancer's feet gives the rhythmic (nritta) sections their energy and precision — the conversation at the core of Kuchipudi.
Artist to be announced. Add the mridangist's name and photo here.