Gurus Shanta and V.P. Dhananjayan have never been known to mince words or curb their style, right from the time they began their own institute Bharata Kalanjali that ran parallel to their alma mater Kalakshetra. That honesty is their policy is obvious — whether or not it has brought them the benefits they would have liked and as fast as they would have liked. In this email interview, the Bharatanatyam veterans look at issues ranging from state awards and the benefits they bring, to a whole new vocabulary — the word dance should be replaced by ‘naatya' — and even a whole new Natya Shastra. Excerpts:
On the viewthat the young generation is not interested in learning classical dance
VPD: Certainly it is the view of the people who are not interested and not informed of what is happening in the field. Those youngsters exposed to the classical traditions are very much interested but we do not have informed patrons of performing arts to nurture and encourage talented youngsters.
Shanta : We have surfeit of Bharatanatyam artistes with very good training and ability to perform very well. Some youngsters are amazingly good.
On ensuring standards in teaching dance, even as a hobby
Shanta: I have to emphasise the term “Naatya”, for mere ‘dance' is only physical exercise. I can vouch for the city of Chennai. The great influence of Kalakshetra and teachers following that systematic training method serves as a measuring rod to teachers operating in the city and suburbs. There are always two sides to the coin; good and bad exist in parallel lines. It is very difficult to achieve a uniform standard in performing arts, however we find even half time teachers also striving hard to maintain some standard. Towards this goal a forum called ‘Prayatna' — an offshoot of the bigger umbrella ABHAI — is formed with teachers from various schools trying to formalise a standard syllabus.
Informed audiences
VPD: We certainly need informed audience. Art in education is the best bet to create such an audience. Unfortunately our system of education has ignored the importance of cultural upbringing of a society. The present education is towards materialistic - money making - methodology belying basic principles of our culture. Art integrated education only will lead the young to a disciplined and spiritually uplifted way of life achieved through Art discipline - bodily, mentally and spiritually.
On festivals at heritage sites
VPD: These Naatyanjali's (Natyanjali festivals associated with famous Tamil Nadu temples) conducted as offering to deities have become a racket with middle agencies operating and the performers not only have to pay to the middle agents but also spend huge amount for accompanying musicians. Unlike the Thiruvaiyaru Thyagaraaja Aradhana where even the accompanying musicians bear their expenses to pay their homage to the Saint Thyagraja. But the Bharatanatyam accompanying musicians never compromise on their fee, knowing very well the sad plight of the dancer. I believe some of the accompanying musicians become in between agents to fix up a slot and get contract for providing orchestra to several performers going from Chennai and other places and make money. But the big question remains why these artistes still want to perform out of pocket.
The festivals in the North (Khajuraho, etc.) are engaging only professionals and pay well and artistes are looked after well. It is only in the South, especially Tamil Nadu this kind of high-handed exploitation takes place.
On Padma honours, Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards, etc.
VPD: First of all Government must prescribe a criteria for nomination for awards, of which age and experience in the respective field is a must. If 60 years is the minimum age prescribed to aspire for a prestigious national awards like Padma and SNA awards, a lot of unqualified persons' nominations could be stopped. Secondly an absolute secret panel with no political or bureaucratic string attached should be operating to select the candidates.
Shanta: The selection committee could take public opinion after short listing the nominations. As far as performing artistes are concerned confidential opinions can be sought after from established organisations. But again I would suggest age criteria and visible popularity for consideration of such honours.
Privileges of national awards
VPD: Really speaking we enjoy absolutely no privileges or benefits, excepts the royal hospitality at the Emperor Ashoka Hotel and the Regal investiture ceremony in the Darbar hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan. Other than a medal (insignia) we don't even have a privilege card to carry around. Actually I wrote to the Home Ministry to consider giving the Padma awardees certain privileges given to sports persons and gallantry and military awards.
Of course these awards give a lot recognition, but this has its disadvantages also. When we attend felicitation functionswe have to spend from our own pocket for the travel etc. Probably if people knew this, they may not aspire for these awards and lobby for them. SNA award carries a small purse and medical insurance. Padma awards do not have even that. Just the prestige attached.
The GD Birla International award for Art & Culture came as a total surprise to us and with a five lakhs cash purse. This will be of great help in starting my dream project - A New Naatya Saastra.
About their new project
My new project is an ambitious one, envisaged for the benefit of future generations. After the original Naatya Saastra there has been no treatise on the development of Naatya. No attempts have been made to record the additions and subtractions in the practical and theoretical aspects. I am trying to record in a text form the present day Bharatanaatyam structures, such as adavu system, new karanas, new mudras developed, costume design over the last century. To go with the original Naatya Saastra, couplets in Samskritam for definition of each adavu, mudra, etc. translated into English for easy understanding will be the salient features of this book with high quality photographic illustration. Also planned to make granite or bronze sculptures of those pictures (depending on the cost involved). I am expecting people to join me in this monumental project without expecting any sort of immediate benefits.
This is God's work for the future generations to learn and enjoy like how we are benefited by the heritage left behind by our ancestors.
