Saranya’s steps and moves began to fall in tune with music from the tender age of four. Her passion for dancing gradually transformed to a deeper calling to explore the nuances of various classical dance forms. 22-year-old Saranya Sasidharan from Chalakudy, who has been winning many laurels for Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi from her school days, recently got a once-in-a-lifetime chance. She represented the country in Mohiniyattom in the South Asian Universities Youth Festival (SAUFEST) held at Punjab University, Patiala from February 24 to 28.
It is after 20 years that a Malayali got an opportunity to participate in the renowned festival which showcases talents from countries like Srilanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Afganisthan, besides India. More than 250 young artists from 40 universities across these countries came together on a common platform to forget cultural diversities and unite through art and music.
Saranya, who was the Kalathilakam from M G University last year is visibly elated after the performance. She says “It was a gratifying moment. There was a huge crowd of art connoisseurs from across the continent. I also got a rare chance to marvel the classical dance forms of different countries.” Saranya grabbed the chance to showcase her dancing prowess in the festival based on her performance in the 2012 Inter University Youth Festival held at Nagpur in which she bagged the first prize in classical dance category.
The young dancer who is currently pursuing M Tech in Computer Science student of Fisat Engineering college, Angamaly, aspires to balance her academics and dance career together. “ As far as dance is concerned, I know I am still a novice with a long way to go ahead,” says this enthusiastic dancer, who is a disciple of R L V Anand for the past 13 years. She is also pursuing a diploma in Bharatanatyam from Kalai Kaviri College of Fine Arts, as a distance education course.
Saranya, who holds Mohiniyattam closer to her heart, admires the performances of Manju Bhargavi and Rukmini Vijayakumar. But when quizzed about her inspiration, Saranya says it is her master Anand who has influenced her the most.