Back on stage

Former Kalathilakam and television anchor Arya S. R. performs Kuchipudi on Sunday

May 27, 2016 03:54 pm | Updated October 18, 2016 12:50 pm IST - Thiruvananthapuram

Arya S. R.

Arya S. R.

Arya S.R. is in a state of excitement, because she is returning to the stage for a full-fledged performance after a long gap. Arya stepped into limelight as a child artiste before she became a familiar name in the late 90s, winning Kalathilakam titles at the school and, later, college level for her dance moves. She also had her share of fame as a television anchor. However, once she started pursuing her studies to become a doctor, dance took a backseat.

Now Arya is all set to begin a new innings on the stage. She is giving a Kuchipudi performance in the city this Sunday.

Arya, who took to dance at the age of three, was taught by Girija Chandran and Geeta Krishnakumar of Regatta Cultural Society in the city. “Even as I learnt different dance forms to take part in youth festivals, at no point did I want to compromise on my studies. I wanted to do a professional course and so once I joined Government Medical College in the city, I cut down on my dance performances,” says Dr. Arya, a rank holder in the class ten examination.

Currently posted as assistant professor of ophthalmology at Government Medical College, Kottayam, Arya hopes to devote more time to dance, Kuchipudi especially. “Although I learnt all the classical dance forms for the competitions, gradually I started concentrating on Kuchipudi,” says Dr. Arya.

At Sunday’s performance, she will present seven items, which include three pieces choreographed by her guru, Girija. The rest are in the traditional style as choreographed by Kuchipudi legend, Vempati Chinna Satyam.

Thanks to the support of her parents, her husband, Anup N., and in-laws, she is looking forward to stage more dance performances, especially in Chennai where there are more stages to perform.

“There has been this urge to get back on stage for a long time. But I had other responsibilities as well, towards my job, my family and my kids, Abhiram and Anuradha. Actually I haven’t given a full-fledged performance for nearly 10 years now. This performance is special. Nothing can equal the happiness you get after a stage performance and when you are appreciated,” says Dr. Arya.

Arya performs at Vyloppilly Samskriti Bhavan on May 29 at 6 p.m.

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