Grace In Motion
Mohiniyattam and Bharatanatyam dancer, teacher, and founder of Prajna Arts, a dance studio in the city, Aswathi Mele Madathil is set to take the stage with a solo Bharatanatyam performance at Seva Sadan, Malleswaram, on June 12 at 6:30 p.m. This upcoming recital is deeply rooted in tradition, including a Devi Stuti, a Natakurinji Varnam depicting divine longing, an expressive Abhinaya piece, and a rhythmic Thillana. 'I want to bring back authenticity. There's beauty in the traditional,' she shares, adding, 'I just want them [the audience] to come, feel the joy, and experience the tradition.'
Madathil's journey began at age 13, pushed by her mother to take up dance. What started with reluctance eventually became a calling. 'Now I feel like I can't live without it,' she says. A graduate of Kerala Kalamandalam she has performed across major stages in India and is a B-grade Doordarshan artiste.
Yet, her journey was anything but typical, navigating through lack support after marriage. 'I'm a self-made woman. I teach to learn, and learning keeps me grounded,' she gets candind about her jourey professionally and personally.
Post-pandemic, she notes how the dance landscape has changed. While accessibility has increased, she believes some seriousness has faded. 'Dance isn't just for festivals or Instagram. It's a way of life,' she emphasises.
By Sreemoyee Das
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
21 hours ago
- The Hindu
Festival to honor Dr. H. Narasimhaiah in Bengaluru
The Bangalore Lalitha Kala Parishat will host a three-day cultural festival in memory of the renowned educationist and rationalist Dr. H. Narasimhaiah. The Dr. H. Narasimhaiah Memorial Cultural Festival will take place from June 11 to 13 at the Multimedia Hall, National College, Jayanagar, Bengaluru starting at 5 p.m. each day. The festival began on June 11 with devotional music by Chandana Muraleedhara and her ensemble. On June 12, audiences will be treated to a Carnatic classical music recital featuring compositions by the esteemed scholar Prof. S.K. Ramachandra Rao, performed by Brunda Rao. The cultural celebration will conclude on June 13 with a Bharatanatyam performance by students of the Shivoham School of Performing Arts, led by Anil V. Iyer .
New Indian Express
a day ago
- New Indian Express
Grace In Motion
Mohiniyattam and Bharatanatyam dancer, teacher, and founder of Prajna Arts, a dance studio in the city, Aswathi Mele Madathil is set to take the stage with a solo Bharatanatyam performance at Seva Sadan, Malleswaram, on June 12 at 6:30 p.m. This upcoming recital is deeply rooted in tradition, including a Devi Stuti, a Natakurinji Varnam depicting divine longing, an expressive Abhinaya piece, and a rhythmic Thillana. 'I want to bring back authenticity. There's beauty in the traditional,' she shares, adding, 'I just want them [the audience] to come, feel the joy, and experience the tradition.' Madathil's journey began at age 13, pushed by her mother to take up dance. What started with reluctance eventually became a calling. 'Now I feel like I can't live without it,' she says. A graduate of Kerala Kalamandalam she has performed across major stages in India and is a B-grade Doordarshan artiste. Yet, her journey was anything but typical, navigating through lack support after marriage. 'I'm a self-made woman. I teach to learn, and learning keeps me grounded,' she gets candind about her jourey professionally and personally. Post-pandemic, she notes how the dance landscape has changed. While accessibility has increased, she believes some seriousness has faded. 'Dance isn't just for festivals or Instagram. It's a way of life,' she emphasises. By Sreemoyee Das
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Remembering Vijaya Bhanu: The 70's star who dedicated her life to classical dance
Veteran actress and classical dancer Vijaya Bhanu, aged 72, passed away in Chennai due to a heatstroke. Known for her extensive work in South Indian cinema and her contributions to classical dance, she acted in over 100 films and founded Sri Shakti Sharada Nritya Niketan in Los Angeles. Her sister plans to publish a book honoring her life and legacy. Her final visit to Chennai — meant to check on her ancestral home — proved to be her farewell. Last month, veteran actress and classical dancer Vijaya Bhanu passed away in the city after suffering a heatstroke. She was 72. Vijaya Bhanu's sister, Dr Sindhoori Jayasinghe, issued an official press note sharing the news of her sister's demise and honouring her memory. 'My sister was an angel and a true warrior. She illuminated countless lives and was a role model for many. As a tribute, we plan to publish a comprehensive book on her life. Jayaprada, a close friend, attended her funeral in Chennai. It was my sister's inspiration that brought me to the US, where I now run a dance school. We aim to ensure her story is told with dignity,' she said. An ambassador of Indian classical dance At the peak of her career, she married an American and settled in Los Angeles. There, she founded Sri Shakti Sharada Nritya Niketan, training thousands in Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, and Kathakali. She was conferred the Natyamayuri title and performed extensively around the world. Despite her life abroad, she stayed deeply connected to her roots. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Vijaya Bhanu is survived by her husband and daughter in the United States. A legacy of over 100 films A star of 1970s South Indian cinema, Vijaya Bhanu acted in over 100 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi. Her comedic pairing with Rajababu was iconic, and she shared the screen with NTR, Kamal Haasan, Shobhan Babu, and Chiranjeevi. She won the Nandi Award for Idi Katha Kaadu.
