Dance gurus honoured
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Pandanallur Subbaraya Pillai and S. Sarada were felicitated for their contribution to Bharatanatyam.
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Two distinctive styles - the Pandanallur and the Kalakshetra — made Bharatanatyam popular.
The Association of Bharathanatyam Artistes of India (Abhai), on the occasion of its 18th anniversary celebrations, honoured veteran dance gurus Pandanallur Subbaraya Pillai (93) and S. Sarada (91), an associate of the legendary Rukminidevi Arundale by conferring the title - `Natya Kalanidhi,' at an impressive function held on October 15 at Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, Chennai.
The award included a gold medal, a citation and prize money of Rs. 25,000. Welcoming the august gathering, M.V. Narasimhachari (of the famous dance duo Vasanthalakshmi-Narasimhachari), president, Abhai, said that the association founded by the late Pakkirisamy Pillai aims at propagating and promoting ancient dance and art forms by "lending abhaya hastha to those who would like to learn them."
He said this year Abhai instituted the awards to honour veterans in the field of dance and music. "By honouring the legends in their life time — Subbaraya Pillai and S. Sarada, both veteran Bharatanatyam exponents, the association is honouring itself."
He then sang in praise of the two awardees. "The song on Subbaraya Pillai was written by Vasantha," he announced. He himself is a disciple of Sarada.
Y.G. Parthasarathi's wife, a former journalist with The Mail, and now Dean and Director of Padmaseshadri Bala Bhavan schools and Bharath Kalachar where the school children were taught Bharatanatyam up to standard five as part of the curriculum, said, "Many may not be aware that Sarada teacher was the first woman to do nattuvangam for a dance programme. As part of the Kalakshetra, she has done yeomen service to dance in general and to Bharatanatyam in particular."
Showering encomiums on Subbaraya Pillai, she said that it is the two distinctive styles - the Pandanallur and Kalakshetra made Bharatanatyam popular.
A few disciples including a large number of foreign students were present on the occasion. Some of the students recalled their experiences with their gurus, who were being felicitated on stage.
It was a touching moment for the nonagenarians - Subbaraya Pillai and a frail Sarada teacher. A colourful dance-drama, Rukmini Kalyanam was performed by the students of Abhai, which was well received.
M.L.N
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