A Stunning Diversion in Dance
Hyderabad-based renowned classical dancer Alekhya Punjala took the road less taken. Knowing two dance forms, Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, gave her two different forms of expression. She chose the latter. Alekhya recently performed at an event in Vijayawada. She says, “I have been partial to Kuchipudi over the last few years. It is vibrant and gives the freedom to create. My passion for abhinaya made me more inclined towards Kuchipudi,” explains Alekhya. She holds a postgraduate degree in ancient Indian history culture and archaeology, and was awarded a doctorate for her work on Kshetrayya Padams and their importance in the abhinya aspect of Kuchipudi.
She presents pieces that strictly adhere to the classical grammar and explore contemporary themes. “The audience doesn’t think in terms of ‘traditional’ or ‘contemporary’. Their perception depends on how the artiste presents both. One should treat the subject as it should be,” she says. She believes that Kuchipudi has the potential to spread even wider. “Unfortunately, today’s education system has undergone a vast change. Students are rarely exposed to the classical arts and traditions,” says Alekhya, a Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee.
The Sahitya Pitham of Andhra Pradesh accorded her the title, “Abhinaya Tapasvini”, early in her career. “My life is my tribute to art. I find the complete expression of my being in dance. With my body, mind and soul in dance, I find a Samadhi within myself,” she adds. Her gurus, late Dayal Sharan and Uma Rama Rao recognised her love and passion for dance and moulded her. Her traditional and innovative repertoire in solo, her portrayals as mythological heroines in various ballets, and her subtle presentation of Satvika Abhinaya have become her hallmarks . She carries the rich legacy of Kuchipudi greats like Padmashri Vedantam Sathyanarayana Sharma and late Shri Pasumarthi Krishnamurthy. Kuchipudi, Alekhya believes, is a spiritual discipline to control the mind. Alekhya presented her arangetram (the first performance) in 1977. Alekhya performed at the 29th Konark Dance and Music Festival earlier this year.
Alekhya started learning dance during her childhood. Her response to the arts during the formative years makes her believe that kids should be exposed to as many forms as possible. “If we introduce kids to the traditional arts at a very young age, encourage them to learn and give them incentives in terms of added credits in our educational system, they will definitely choose to learn through the arts and nurture them,” says Alekhya who is member of the advisory board of Indian Council for Cultural Relations–Andhra Pradesh region. She is now exploring the Kuchipudi grammar to connect with the spiritual aspects in art.