City-based classical dancer Udhay Shenkar Potnuru has been selected for the Young Talent Award for 2016-2017.
The award, instituted by the South Zone Cultural Centre, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, will be presented to him on December 23 during the inaugural of ‘Salangai Naadam’ festival to be held at Thanjavur.
Classical dance fascinated Udhay Shenkar ever since his childhood days. The fourth generation dancer was trained in Kuchipudi under the able guidance of his father P. Vijaya Bharani Shenkar, who runs Sri Ambikeshwara Kuchipudi Dance and Music Academy in the city. Later, he learnt Bharatanatyam from Padma Subrahmanyam.
After completing his graduation in electrical and electronics engineering, Udhay Shenkar also opted for Bachelor of Performing Arts. At present, he is pursuing PG in Performing Arts at Sastra University, Thanjavur.
Udhay Shenkar considers himself fortunate for getting selected for the much coveted award.
Sharing his future plans, the dancer told The Hindu that he aspires to take up research work in performing arts, train more number of students in Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam and generate interest among young students to pursue classical dance as a serious vocation.
