THIRUVANATHAPURAM: "Even former President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, a bachelor, has wondered, how I manage with two wives," Raja Reddy says with a hearty laugh. The Reddys have heard that question many times, perhaps from the day Raja decided to marry his wife's (Radha) younger sister (Kaushalya).
The personal life of the fivesome Kuchipudi family, ie Raja, Radha and Kaushalya and their daughters Yamini and Bhavana, has always been a subject of curiosity for the masses and media. But, dance is all that matters, they say. It is already known that young Kaushalya, who used to play the 'nattuvangam' at RajaReddy performances, fell for the charm and grace of Raja and immediately proposed. She was adamant. After an initial shock, Radha gave her blessing and now they are a happy family.
Raja shared the story with us too.
The full family was supposed to perform at the Nishagandhi Festival, on its final day. Bhavana couldn't turn up as she "was busy sending her recording for a music scholarship in Boston" and Kaushalya chose to be the 'nattuvanar' (one who plays the nattuvangam) for the RajaRadhaYamini trio. As Radha was taking rest since she felt unwell and Kaushalya chose to stay with her, we had Raja and Yamini for a brief chat prior to their performance.
"I am really happy that my daughters are so talented. Even if you practice for hours, talent has to be there. While Yamini (married and settled in Hyderabad) is running her dance school, for Bhavana, music is equally important as dance," says the proud father.
He sounded excited while talking about the family's ambitious project coming up in Delhi, Natyatharangini, which will not only teach Kuchipudi, but will also be giving lessons in music, yoga and Sanskrit. "Kuchipudi is our life," he says from his heart. The reason why Yamini and Bhavana have had no qualms about having a father and two mothers.
"When they go to school, we are there in the dance class and when they come back, then also we are there in the class. Therefore, that rhythm has always been there in their lives," he says.
Ultimately it the dance class where all silly fights are solved! "Radha and Kaushalya have got their individual responsibilities. We do fight. But, in the class, everything is forgotten."