Kodagu may not have many acclaimed artists if one counts them on a par with the sportspersons. However, the efforts being made by certain troupes to promote art and culture in the district are worth a mention here. Three artists from the Sri Jaganmohana Natyalaya, Virajpet, not only stole the show at the recent ‘Kala Pratibhotsava' competitions held here, but also cornered glory by winning first prizes in all three categories from a competitive batch of dancers who participated in the district level events.
Show-stoppers
Thirteen-year-old Karthik Shenoy was the star of the show. He is a recipient of the national award in Bharatanatyam. Shenoy had no match in his category as he put up a sterling performance. He contested in the ‘Kishora Pratibhe' category. He has the distinction of beating 33 girl dancers at the national level competitions held in Mandya last year. Karthik is also a recipient of several district and State level awards in Bharatanatyam.
Expressive
Dimunitive Nikhita Yogesh excelled in her ‘Bala Pratibhe' category making viewers wonder that a girl as small as her could also display tremendous amount of talent. She looked vivacious and sprightly, thanks to her facial expressions during the display. It was appreciated by a small crowd that had gathered at the Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Multipurpose Auditorium here. Then came the rhythmic movements of Chandapanda Namita Muthamma, who competed in the ‘Yuva Pratibhe' category. She dazzled in the Mohiniattam dance. Her subtle movements, to the accompaniment of background music, was amazing.
Muthamma proved a point that the vast Indian culture could not be restricted to a particular region or boundary, but could transcend barriers to enthrall connoisseurs of music and dance. All three will represent Kodagu in the Zonal level ‘Kala Pratibhotsava' competitions coming up next.
K.T. Rajesh Acharya, their guru, who runs the Sri Jaganmohana Natyalaya in Virajpet is a happy man. “My wards will come up trumps at the zonal level as well as they have huge talent. They are sure to scale dizzy heights,” he says.
