Renowned Kuchipudi exponent Manju Bhargavi on Sunday offered a dance tribute to Vempati Chinna Satyam marking his 88th birth anniversary here.
In a rare performance, Ms. Bhargavi and Kalaratna Bala Kondala Rao (Balakka) shared the stage, reminding the connoisseurs of their guru Chinna Satyam, who spread the dance form across the globe. Ms. Bhargavi’s solo performance — Jagadananda kaaraka — stole the hearts of the dance fraternity. Ms. Balakka played the character of Rukmini in Rukmini Kalyanam, a dance drama. Ms. Bhargavi interacted with the Kuchipudi gurus, sharing her memories with her guru Chinna Satyam.
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Kondala Rao said Kuchipudi would be the ultimate destination to perform the dance, given its historical connection with the form. The Akhila Bharata Kuchipudi Natya Kala Mandali and the Academy of Kuchipudi Dance of Atlanta celebrated the anniversary.
Krishna University Vice-Chancellor S. Ramakrishna Rao felicitated Ms. Bhargavi and Ms. Balakondala Rao. “We are on the job to begin online courses in Kuchipudi dance by early 2018,” said Prof. Rao.
