Swimming against the stream, facing all sorts of challenges including ostracising and setting a well defined trend for male and couple-dancing in the realm of Bharatanatyam in Karnataka, the maestro Professor U S Krishna Rao sowed the seeds of that genre which resulted in the growth of classical dance. He along with his life and dance-partner U K Chandrabhaga Devi pioneered the cause of Bharatanatyam.
Thanks to his seniormost disciples Sharada Rudra, Mythrai K.Brahman, Shubha Ramani, Gayathri, Dr Sarvotham Kamath, Nandini Mehtha and others Prof U S Krishna Rao’s birth centenary celebrations took off in the form of a three day dance tribute at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavana and Ravindra Kalkshetra to the trendsetter-dancer. It was good that the Government of Karnataka through its Karnataka Sangeetha Nrithya Academy, Government of India through its Ministry of Culture, Karnataka Nrithya Kala Parishath and Maha Maya also extended their cooperation in the celebrations. A beautiful souvenir ‘Narthaka Varenya’ containing articles, photographs and other useful materials was released on last Friday. A photo exhibition provided enthralling glimpses into Rao’s life and priceless contribution to the field of Bharatanatya. A CD ‘Nrithya Maya’ containing a few dance compositions of USK was also released on the occasion. The three day celebrations were marked by performances by his famed and prominent disciples, felicitations to his co-artistes and a seminar on the maestro.
A projection of two documentary films by H N Suresh and Ashish Mohan Khokar and felicitations to the veteran art critic S N Chandrasekhar made the celebration a wholesome one. One of the earliest disciples of USK and the veteran danseuse Sonal Mansingh surprised the packed Ravindra Kalakshetra auditorium with her simplest aharya and also the rendition of an abhinaya number. She had selected a Hindi version of a Valathol poetry for the purpose. The message that repentance rather than expiation is all sufficient for the grace of the Lord was well conveyed through the nayika Mary who is beseeching the Lord for his grace. Sonal’s abhinaya was profound and penetrating. However, a change in her costumes and presentation of an item taught to her by USK could have been more appropriate to the occasion and a meaningful salutation to her master.
Another foremost disciple of Rao Guru K M Raman’s son Harish rendered a Todi varna. The lyrics of the varna changed from Year naapai to Seetharama and addressed to Sri Rama was neatly presented by him. Vocalist Chennakeshavaiah’s singing reminded me of the glory of the past. Young dancer Prateeksha Kashi saluted the Ranga Devatha and danced fluently on a brass plate while rendering the Tarangamu (Pahi Pahi Sri Krishna). Nandini Mehtha, a prized disciple of USK, along with her dance-partner Murali Mohan not only regaled the rasikas with her scintillating Kathak but also presented her disciples in a group presentation. An experienced dancer, choreographer, organiser and Guru Nandini Mehtha and Murali Mohan began with an admirable Nataraja stuti. Their disciples Smitha Srinivasan, Poorna Acharya, Chandana and Sowmya unfolded the splendor of the spring season under the title of ‘Basanth’. The quartet demonstrated a laudable group discipline, perfect coordination and mercurial movements and did proud to their mentors. Nandini and Murali excelled in the enactment of their favourite item Ruseeli Radha Ruseela Madhav portraying an angry Radha and Krishna ultimately uniting together.
Illuminating seminar: On the second day (Saturday) morning, an illuminating seminar was held at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavana. Sonal Mansingh, a dance scholar Dr Sunil Kothari, an incisive and prolific dance critic Leela Venkataraman, Dr Sarvotham Kamath, Mysore V Subramanya and veteran flautist B Shankararao spoke on the greatness of Professor U S Krishna Rao. Sonal Mansingh in her emotionally choked voice explained her studentship with the maestro. She fondly remembered her journey to Bangalore from Bombay, the interactions she had with the Guru and how she became an intimate member of his family. Dr Sunil Kothari described the disciplined life of USK. He said that the Guruji was very meticulous and would always insist upon perfection. He referred to his interactions with him and the challenging pursuit of the master.
Leela Venkataraman did not want to call USK just a cultural ambassador. He was more than that. Braving all odds and challenges Rao travelled every nook and corner of the State and propagated the magnificence of Bharatanatya. With an unflinching devotion and dedication he accomplished all his goals and became well known abroad also.
Subramanya read out his published article with few short notes. Sarvotham Kamath felt gratified for having learnt the dance under the feet of USK.
