Legendary Kuchipudi master and teacher Vempati Chinna Satyam passed away at his residence in Chennai on Sunday at the age of 83. He died due to multi organ failure, sources close to the family said.
“He was admitted in the hospital a while ago but he spent the last three months at home. He was incredibly responsive to treatment but he started slipping away three-four days ago. He breathed his last at 10 15 in the morning,” sources said.
He is survived by his wife, three daughters and two sons. The funeral will be held on Monday.
Chinna Satyam hailed from a traditional family of dancers in the village of Kuchipudi in Andhra Pradesh. Renowned for his choreography and style, Chinna Satyam was the recipient of numerous awards, including the ‘Padma Bhushan’ and the ‘Kalaimamani’ awards. He was also declared a ‘Fellow’ by the Sangeet Natak Academy in New Delhi.
He started Chennai’s oldest Kuchipudi academy, The Kuchipudi Art Academy in 1964, which incidentally celebrates its 50th anniversary next year. The Academy has more than 180 solo items and 15 dance dramas composed and choreographed by Chinna Satyam to its credit.
His students include veteran actors and dancers like Hemamalini, Rekha, Vyjayanthimala Bali and Manju Bhargavi of ‘Shankarabaranam’ fame.