Lavanya,Sanskriti Chatterjee,Pooja,Savita at the Independence Day Celebrations

Lavanya, Sanskriti Chatterjee, Savita and Pooja[students of Guru Shri Ramchandram Murthy]  at the “Independence Day” celebration at Andhra Mahasabha,Mumbai..

Sanskrit Chatterjee,Lavanya,Pooja and Savita at the “Independence day” celebration at Andhra Mahasabha,Mumbai

Programme of Sanskriti Chatterjee,student of Shri.M.S.R. Murthy….

The Kuchipudi items performed for the ‘Ninad Concert Series” were as follows:

1.Gajavadana Beduve:-a prayer song set in Raag-Hamsadhwani ,Taal-Adi ,composed by Purandara Das, invoking the presence of lord Ganesha,the elephant faced god ,son of Goddess Parvathi.

2.Krishna Shabdam: Raag Mohana,Taal-Adi.In this piece the Vasakasajjika Nayika {Herione}tries to entice Lord Krishna by applying sandalwood paste,offering him the beetle leaf {paan} and putting garland of flowers around his neck.

3.The performance concluded with the ” tarangam” [marakatha mani maya chela] set in Raag- Arabi,Taal-Adi.Inthis piece the dances dances on the edges of the brass plate  executing complicated rhythmic patterns.

Sanskriti Chatterjee performing at the ninad concert series on 26th of August…

Sanskriti Chatterjee performing at the "Ninad Concert Series" founded by Kathak dancer Tina Tambe.

Tribute to the mentor {review by dance critic Guru Vijay Shankar}

Tribute to the mentor

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

BY VIJAY SHANKER

AS a mark of tribute to their respected Guru, Shri Ramachandra Murthy, the students of Kuchipudi Kala Kendra, Mumbai, presented a brief Kuchipudi dance recital at the Andhra Mahasabha Hall, Dadar on the occasion of his birthday on August 9. The Kuchipudi Kala Kendra was established in Mumbai in 1995 with regular classes conducted in Dadar, Wadala, Vashi and Chembur under the expert guidance of Guru Murthy, who teaches in the typical, renowned ‘Vempatti’ style. Over the years, the Kuchipudi Kendra has grown in its stature with several students, who have now become professional dancers.

The seniormost disciple, Sanskriti Chatterjee, assisted with other students like Lavanya, Savita and Puja and the only male dancer Ramesh Koli, commenced the programme with the invocations to Lord Ganapati and the Goddess Parashakti. This was followed by the Jatiswaram, which is a fine combination of both music and melody and the pure dance aspect of the Kuchpudi is completely exploited with intricate rhythmic movements.
The piece-de-resistance of the evening was the number Bhama Kalapam, which is an extract from Narayana Tirtha’s Krishna Leela Tarangani that vividly describes the complete character sketch of Lord Krishna and is based on the philosophy of the ‘Bhagwatham’.

Bhama Kalapam is based on the interesting story of the royal beauty Satyabhama and Lord Krishna. Satyabhama was beautiful but arrogant too, to the extent that she told Krishna that she is more beautiful and matchless. Krishna wanted to teach her a lesson and so completely deserts and ignores her. Satyabhama realises her folly and asks for forgiveness.

Sanskriti is blessed with beautiful eyes that can really create wonders. With more concentration on the finer aspects of Kuchipudi, she can aspire to become a fine exponent. The programme concluded with the Tarangam, wherein the dancers perform on the rim of the brass plate.

About Guru Ramachandra Murthy

Guru Ramachandra Murthy hails from a family of traditional dancers. At a very tender age he was initiated to Kuchipudi by great teachers like Guru Vempatti Chinna Satyam. He has trained several students, who have performed in various festivals all over the world. He is a great taskmaster and does not compromise on quality or style.

The recital was thus a fine tribute to a deserving mentor.

Happy Birthday Sir ………..

today is the big day.We are all very excited.Hope it is a huge success.Keeping our fingers crossed….

All prepared for :

Alumni of Kuchipudi kala kendram in Mumbai

Class Of 2010,Kuchipudi Kala Kendra

Alumni of Kuchipudi kala kendram in Mumbai

 

“every journey begins with a first step,” and nowhere is it truer than in a professional dance career.

Class of 2010 is organising a small get together for ex- students and members of Kuchipudi Kala Kendra inorder to share their cherished moments that they have spent at the Kendram with their most loved Guruji Shri.M.S.R. Murthy.

All the members are cordially invited to be a part of the momentous evening.

 Thanking You.

Class Of 2010,Kuchipudi Kala Kendra

DATE :9 th of August,2010.

VENUE : Kuchipudi Kala Kendram, Dadar,Mumbai.

TIME: 17 hrs or 5 o’clock in the evening.

 

Mrs.S.P.V.Satyavati Srinivas ma’am one of the pillars of the Kendram.

Mrs.Satyavati or fondly known to students at the Kuchipudi Kala Kendra as “Satya akka” or “Satya Ma’am” is a very important member of the Kendra. A senior disciple of Padmabhushan Guru Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam,Satya Akka has been training students of the Kendram alongwith Guru Shri.Ramchandram Murthy for a very long time.She is also the dance teacher at”Andhra Education Society School -Wadala”,”Yoga Vidya Niketan -Vashi” and “The Fine Arts -Chembur”.She has given several performances at various places.

To us,{students at the kendram} Satya Akka is the “convergent thinker” who can find solution to any problem that we face while dancing.Surprisingly enough,she understands our fears and thoughts so well that we don’t even need to tell or plead our cases with her.She very patiently guides us when we loose faith in ourselves and are on tenterhooks.She is always there for us when we need her the most.Her point of view in life is always full of enthusiasm and optimism and she passes it on to all the students in the class. Satya Akka ,you are a wonderful person and a mesmerising  dancer.We miss you very much on the days you cannot make it to the class.

Initial days at Kuchipudi Kala Kendram in Mumbai…….

Guru Shri ramchandram Murthy teaching his students at “Kuchipudi Kala Kendra” in Mumbai….

A young performer, performing at a program by  Kuchipudi Kala Kendra,Mumbai.

Budding dancers under the tutelage of Guru.Shri.Ramchandram Murthy.

Initial days of Kuchipudi Kala Kendram

A few fond memories……..

Guru Shri.Ramchandram Murthy performing the character of “Sutradhar” in a play for Kuchipudi Kala Kendra in Mumbai….

The maestro and teacher himself in praise of his student , Guru. Shri. Ramchandram Murthy while connoisseur of dance and one of the pillars of Kuchipudi Kala Kendra,Mumbai Mr. G.M. Sharma honouring guruji…

“20th Raindrops Festival”,2010.