Teacher with many dimensions
``A VETERAN male dancer with more than five decades of performing experience, a devoted musician well-versed in both systems of Indian classical music, an excellent choreographer, skilful composer, a respected academician, and a constant researcher of the higher values embedded in our artistic heritage," — this sums up the multi-faceted personality of the renowned Bharatanatyam artiste, Prof. C. V.
Chandrasekhar who receives the Nadabrahmam title from the Narada Gana Sabha this year.
C. V. Chandrasekhar, senior alumna of Kalakshetra, joined there for vocal lessons and later his passion for Bharatanatyam induced him to join a course in that discipline in 1945. His arangetram was in1950. Having completed His Master's Degree in Sciences simultaneously, in 1956, he entered the field of education and taught a strange combination of dance and sciences at Dehradhun, although all the while, his ambition was to dance full time.
Much later, Chandrasekhar assumed the post of the Head of the Dance department at the Baroda university. "Teaching at the department, working on new productions, new texts and doing a lot of academic work, gave me great satisfaction, although there were not many opportunities for me to perform," said this most adored teacher.
Along with his dancer-wife Jaya, and daughters Chitra and Manjari, Chandrasekhar, back at Chennai has been the busiest performer and teacher in the scene ruled by female dancers. He is much respected for his upkeep of the firm discipline that he imbibed from great masters at Kalakshetra.
His performances or productions always remain a path of learning for the younger generation.
``I have always wanted to perform here. In Chennai, we have an interesting vibrant atmosphere, where I can dance, create, teach and immerse myself into the joyful realms of this art," says this humble artiste whose identity as a veteran male dancer has paved the way for several younger followers to emulate his artistic ideals. For any aspiring student who approaches, he is most willing to teach, be it theory or practice; and he is always there in the audience to observe any talented dancer and give her or him his hearty greetings and encouragement, a very friendly, soothing attitude — a rare quality rare to find. This kind-hearted Guru can capture the hearts of the rasikas when he dances with firm discipline and stamp of old world charm, creating an atmosphere of tranquillity. Mahaantho Hi Mahaasrayaanaam kaaryah — Indeed great are the achievements of great men!
NANDINI RAMANI
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Entertainment
