CHENNAI: Smell of sandal and noise of salangai filled the room as the 36th edition of Natya Kala Conference, Sthiti Gati, was inaugurated recently at the Sri Krishna Gana Sabha. Illustrious dancers like the Dhananjayans and Padma Subramaniam, and former union minister of finance, P Chidambaram attended the event.
The guest of honour was Bharatanatyam dancer-turned-actress, Vyjayanthimala Bali.
Addressing the gathering, secretary, Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, Y Prabhu said, “The Nrithya Choodamani started when my father decided to do something for the dancers when everywhere focus was given to musicians. In 1980, Padma Subramaniam suggested we host a Natya Kala conference. My father along with other dancers started the conference next year.”
In her keynote address,
Dr Srinidhi Chidambaram, who was also convener of the conference, said, “The conference will not just show the gloss and platitude but also the harsh truths of life of a dancer. In 1981, when the first conference was held, I was 11 and performed right on this stage and today I’m the convener of the conference.”
Why is it called Sthiti Gathi? “The name is derived from Bharatanatyam itself,” explained Srinidhi. This conference will be dedicated to the only dance form I have known for past 40 years — Bharatanatyam.”
Vyjayanthimala was nostalgic about her time as a kid, where she used to imagine being a “dancing fairy.
Growing up, the atmosphere at home was filled with temple bells, music, and religious fervor. To become a good dancer, I had to learn Carnatic music as well. Dance and music are single entity. Music is a necessity for dance.” As Bharatanatyam has many forms, it’s very difficult to decipher which one is right. “This conference can help you learn,” added the veteran dancer.
Scholar and Ashtavadhani Pappu Venugopala Rao was awarded the Natya Kala Visaaradaha. “People nowadays take theoretical aspects of dance very lightly. This is the reason I conduct Natya Shastra workshops. Young dancers should attend the conference and learn as much as they can,” he said.