Hyderabad will play host to Potti Sriramulu Telugu University’s (PSTU) annual Kuchipudi festival to be held here for the first time on December 2, 3 and 4. For the last three years the dance festival was held in Kuchipudi’s hometown in Krishna district from where the dance takes its name. This year venue has been shifted to Ravindra Bharathi to mark the University’s silver jubilee celebrations.
Upcoming and established practitioners of classical dance will present ten performances, individually and in groups over three days. Kathak exponent Muktasri and Manipuri performers from Delhi are also part of the event’s ensemble cast. The diverse range of artists includes younger exponents like Ajaykumar from Vijayawada and veterans such as Padma Shree awardees Vanashree and Jayarama Rao.
“The idea is to encourage those who are trying to make a name for themselves and honour those who already have done so. We are also felicitating veteran Gurus because their contribution has helped Kuchipudi’s evolution,” Dr. P. Alekhya, Director of Dance, PTSU told media persons.
The professor herself will be leading a performance at the festival. ‘Poorva Ranga Vidhi’ by dancers from the Siddhendra Yogi Kalapitham, ‘Sasirekha Parinayam’ by Dr. P. Ramalinga Sastri’s troupe and a dance recital by students of Dr. Aruna Bhikshu are the notable group performances.
Also a seminar on December 3 and 4 will see Kuchipudi exponents and scholars talk about classical and folk traditions within Kuchipudi, as well as current experimental attempts across the world.
Padmabhushan Raja and Radha Reddy will receive this year’s Sri Siddhendra Award for Classical Dance from Chief Minister K. Rosaiah, who is also inaugurating the festival. Kuchipudi gurus Acharya J. Anuradha, Acharya P. Ramalinga Sastri, O. Ranagamani and Prasunna Rani will also be felicitated during the festival.
Entry is by first come first serve basis. For more details contact PTSU.
