The Hindu : Kerala News : Boon for kuchipudi enthusiasts

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 27, 2007
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Kerala

Kerala

Boon for kuchipudi enthusiasts

EXPLAINING THE NUANCES: A kuchipudi workshop conducted by dancer Anupama Mohan (right) at the S.K. Pottakkad Cultural Centre in Kozhikode. Photo: S. Ramesh Kurup

Anjana Gopalakrishnan has always been fascinated by kuchipudi. She wanted to know more about this beautiful dance form from Andhra, so she jumped at the opportunity when Anupama Mohan, one of the senior disciples of the legendary Vempatti Chinna Satyam, came to Kozhikode to conduct a workshop.

"Though I have already been learning kuchipudi, this has been an entirely different experience for me," says Anjana. "Besides teaching kuchipudi in the traditional way, Anupama has also told us about the theoretical aspects, which I found extremely useful."

For Megha R. Unni too, training under Anupama has been a revelation. "I have learnt so many things, but it would have been nice if the camp had been of a longer duration; you cannot do much in just 10 days," she says.

Like her, Geethu Krishnakumar is also happy that she joined the workshop. "Now, I know how exactly kuchipudi is different from dance forms like bharatanatyam," she says.

Anupama would be happy to hear that. "I wanted to show these children how kuchipudi is learnt and performed in the traditional way," says the Andhra-born, Kochi-based dancer, who was famous for her role as Narada in Chinna Satyam's kuchipudi dramas.

"Though I am a bit disappointed with the turnout here - there were more students at the workshops I conducted in Thrissur and Shornur -I am extremely happy with the quality of the students I got. They are quick learners."

Anupama, who is conducting these workshops in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Government of Andhra Pradesh, says she is hoping to come to Kozhikode again.

"I know I cannot teach them much in a workshop like this. Having said that, I am glad that I have been able to teach them the fundamentals, jati's and two items. Next time, I hope to put up a show in Kozhikode with my students from here," she adds.

The workshop concludes at the S.K. Pottekkat Cultural Centre on Friday.

P.K. Ajith kumar

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