Saturday, November 27, 2021. 7:00. PM. 1.#NARASIMHACHARIS : Maranganti Venkata Narasimhachari & Vasanthalakshmi
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Saturday, November 27, 2021. 7:00. PM.
1.#NARASIMHACHARIS : Maranganti Venkata Narasimhachari & Vasanthalakshmi
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Narasimhachari and Vasanthalakshmi are well-known and highly respected performers, teachers and choreographers of the Bharathanatyam and Kuchipudi styles of Indian classical dance.
Together this ‘Made for each other couple’ (as the press often refers to them) felt greater strength and impetus for progress. They have trained in Kuchipudi from Sri. Pasumarthi Venugopala Krishna Sharma, Sri. Mahankali Satyanarayana and Sri C.R. Acharya. The Narasimhacharis then learnt Odissi from Sri. Ramani Ranjan Jena, Kathak from Sri Vishnu Vaichalkar, Mohini Attam from Smt Vasantha Aravind and Kathakali from Kavi Aravind.
In 1969, they started the Kalasamarpana Foundation, an academy for thepropagation and promotion of the fine arts. Here numerous worthy students are taught not only the nuances of the art but also to be worthy human beings.Together with their students, the Narasimhacharis have produced as many as thirty-two dance-dramas and thematic presentations. The Narasimhacharis have travelled the world as cultural ambassadors showcasing the richness and glory of India in each of their performances, lecture-demonstrations and workshops.
Exposure to such varied classical art forms has enriched their choreography.
Performing professionally together since 1969, they have enchantedaudiences both in India and abroad with their beautiful technique, sensitive expression, original choreography and sincere devotion to the art. Their presentations are visual wonders creating on stage unforgettable images of human life.
For this couple, dance is a penance-a beautiful tool to convey messages of historical, religious and social relevance with aestheticism.
#M.V. Narasimhachari
Maranganti Venkata Narasimhachari was born in Rajahmundry a beautiful city on the banks of River Godavari.
His father Sri Maranganti Satyanarayanachari was an artiste par excellence and was his first teacher.
Little Simham, for that was how Narasimhachari was lovingly addressed, was only five when he gave his first performance with his elder brother Anand.
This happy scene changed with his father’s sudden demise. While Anand took on odd jobs to support the family, Narasimhachari with the help of his uncle Sri Ramachari, a renowned critic and journalist of the time, revived the Burra Katha, a ballad form of Andhra Pradesh.
Along with his younger sister Lakshmi and brother Krishna he formed a troupe called ‘Simham and Party’ and performed Burrakathas winning accolades from the likes of Babu Rajendra Prasad, Uday Shankar and Harindranath Chattopadhyaya.
The trio very soon became the most popular group in Andhra Pradesh, so much so that they had the honour of performing for the then President of India, Dr.Rajendra Prasad. They called themselves “Simham & Party!
As a student of the first batch at the Music College of Tirupathi, Narasimhachari had the privilege of learning from stalwarts such as Chittore Subramaniam Pillai, Prof. Sambamurthy, D. Pasupati, S.R. Janakiraman and V.L. Janakiram, Mridangam from Shanmuganandam Pillai and Bharatanatyam from Smt Kanchanamala.
A turning point in young Chari’s life was when Smt Rukmini Devi Arundale upon witnessing one of his performances invited him to join the internationally renowned Kalakshetra. So impressed was she that she even offered him a scholarship!
While at Kalakshetra between the years 1962-67, Narasimhachari was trained in vocal music by the legendary M.D. Ramanathan and in Mridangam by Karaikudi Krishnamurthy. Smt. N.S.Jayalakshmi instilled in him the unique Kalakshetra Bani or style of dancing while Smt. Pushpa Shankar introduced him to the fascinating world of nattuvangam.
Narasimhachari graduated from Kalakshetra with a first class diploma and also obtained the Sangita Siromani degree from the Madras University.
He is a singer par excellence and is a very popular concert musician. Narasimhachari is a multi-faceted artiste known for his technical virtuosity on the Mridangam .
He is an Msc. in Yoga and has done extensive research on the use of yoga in dance. He has equipped himself with courses in Naturopathy, Homeopathy, Pranic Healing, Meditation and advanced yoga training.
Narasimhachari is a reputed music composer, choreographer, singer, nattuvanar, mridangam player, concert musician, performing artiste of Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi and a guru of an outstanding capacity. He was the president of ABHAI (Association of Bharatnatyam Artistes of India) which has more than 1000 members for nine years. He is the director of Kalasamarpana Foundation established in 1969 (merged as the classical wing of Rasoham since 2007).
##Vasanthalakshmi
Vasanthalakshmi, who began her career in dance at a very young age, joined Narasimhachari as his wife and partner in the year 1969. When Chari wedded Vasantha Lakshmi, Guru M.D. Ramanathan rightly foretold that this little lady will bring both Vasantham (spring) and Lakshmi(wealth) into his life.
Specializing in nattuvangam, Vasanthalakshmi also contributes the lyrics for their compositions and assists her husband in all their choreography. She has to her credit, several Sabdams, Padams, Varnams and Mangalams. She has also written the lyrics and composed the music for a unique Varnam set to the raga Shanmukhapriya and Khanda nadai Adi tala on Lord Subrahmanya. This challenging piece is being greatly appreciated by senior artistes and has found a place in the repertoire of several young dancers.
She is a veena player too. Vasanthalakshmi trained on the Veena under Smt. Kamala Aswathama and has enthralled audiences with her sweet command of the instrument.
Vasanthalakshmi is a guru of great caliber and is known for her creative brilliance and beauty that comes from uncommon humility!
She is not only a professional dancer and guru par excellence in both Bharathanatyam and Kuchipudi, but a gifted linguist, lyricist and an unmatched nattuvanar. Her perfect diction of complex rhythmic syllables are a treat to the learned ear.
Vasanthalakshmi’s expertise with the “Simhanandana Tala Chitra Nrithyam” in which the dancer draws the image of a lion with her feet has won her critical acclaim.
A glance at the list of dance dramas they have produced reveals the wide variety of themes and sources ranging from the mythological (Sivaleela and Kambaramayanam), the literary (Meghasandesa and Kalingathu-p-parani), the biographical (Annamacharya and Yashodhara), the scholarly (Natya Veda) to the contemporary (Voice of Ganga and Bharathi kanda Bharatham). Applying creativity and imagination they have shown that even non-traditional subject matter is suitable for entertaining, meaningful exposition through the medium of classical dance.
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2.##Classics from literature, folklore brought to life through dance drama : Merin James
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To celebrate the golden jubilee of Kalasamarpana Foundation, around 100 dancers will perform in the city.
###Narasimhacharis; Vasanthalakshmi Narasimhachari
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It’s been five decades since the Kalasamarpana Foundation, an academy for the propagation and promotion of fine arts, was launched in the city by the Narasimhacharis — the late Narasimhachari and Vasanthalakshmi Narasimhachari. The duo is well-known and highly respected performers, teachers and choreographers of the Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi styles of Indian classical dance. The Narasimhacharis have choreographed over 34 original dance dramas and thematic presentations that bring to life gems from literature, both classical and contemporary; themes of historical and social significance, popular folklore and eminent biographies.
“It cannot believe it has been 50 years since Kalasamarpana Foundation was started. Truly, these five decades have been fulfilling, richly productive and filled with learning and progress. At the same time, I feel that there is so much more to learn and so much to share. I feel blessed that along with our daughters Lavanya and Lasya, all our students have imbibed the true spirit of the art and are poised to take this legacy forward,” says Vasanthalakshmi, a professional dancer and acharya par excellence.
While there are many interesting moments that happened in the dancer’s life, she says that one incident will always remain close to her heart. “There have been many wonderful moments and each of these experiences has taught us many truths that have renewed our faith in the art time and again. But one incident remains etched in my mind. In 2000, we were asked to choreograph a dance drama with over 50 dancers all from different schools of dancing. We were faced with two formidable tasks. One was to break a sense of hierarchy and create an atmosphere of camaraderie. The second, perhaps more difficult task was to create a common idiom in nritta or the adavu technique for that performance. As always, my ever-resourceful husband had an ingenious solution up his sleeves! By varying the existing adavus in small ways, he managed to create a beautiful homogeneity that was unique and fresh. The 50 dancers rose up to the occasion and embraced this new vocabulary with enthusiasm and vigour. That was a powerful time when we, yet again, experienced the unifying power of art,” she reminisces.
To celebrate the 50th year celebrations of the Kalasamarpana Foundation, a dance production titled Swarnaanjali will be held on August 4 at Narada Gana Sabha. Swarnaanjali is a 90-minute performance with excerpts from 34 productions of the Narasimhacharis presented by more than a 100 artistes. The event will also have a curated exhibit of rare photographs of the Narasimhacharis.
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3.###THE DANCING DUO : Natyacharyas : Narasimhachari & Vasanthalakshmi
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Narasimhachari and Vasanthalakshmi are well-known and highly respected performers, teachers and choreographers of the Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi styles of Indian classical dance. Together this ‘Made for each other couple’ (as the press often refers to them) established Kalasamarpana Foundation, an academy for the propagation and promotion of the fine arts, in the year 1969. They have produced more than thirty-four dance dramas and thematic presentations and have enriched the art world with inimitable artistic creations.
FORMAL TRAINING
Classical Art
While Narasimhachari trained in Bharatanatyam from Kalakshetra, Vasanthalakshmi had her initial training from Sri Bhoopal, Sri. Adyar K. Lakshman and finally from Narasimhachari himself.
The duo trained in Kuchipudi from the legendary Sri. P.V.G.K.Sharma, Sri. Mahankali Satyanarayana and Sri C.R. Acharyulu. The Narasimhacharis then learnt some rudiments of Odissi from Sri. Ramani Ranjan Jena, Kathak from Sri Vishnu Vaichalkar, Mohiniattam from Smt Vasantha Aravind and Kathakali from Prof. Janardhanan.
The Charis have travelled extensively both in India and abroad (Mauritius, Burma, West and Central Africa, Middle East, North America, Europe, Singapore, Malaysia, Russia to mention a few). They were on the faculty of the U.C.O. (University of Central Oklahoma) from the year 1995-1999.
Exposure to such varied classical art forms has enriched their choreography. The Narasimhacharis have enchanted audiences both in India and abroad with their beautiful technique, sensitive expression, original choreography and sincere devotion to the art. Their presentations are visual wonders creating on stage unforgettable images of human life.
####Narasimhachari
Maranganti Venkata Narasimhachari was born in Rajahmundry a beautiful city on the banks of River Godavari. His father Sri Maranganti Satyanarayanachari was an artiste par excellence and was his first teacher. Little Simham, for that was how Narasimhachari was lovingly addressed, was only five when he gave his first performance with his elder brother Anand.
This happy scene changed with his father’s sudden demise.
While Anand took on odd jobs to support the family, Narasimhachari with the help of his uncle Sri Ramachari, a renowned critic and journalist of the time, revived the Burra Katha, a ballad form of Andhra Pradesh.
Along with his younger sister Lakshmi and brother Krishna he formed a troupe called ‘Simham and Party’ and performed Burra Katha-s winning accolades from the likes of Babu Rajendra Prasad, Uday Shankar and Harindranath Chattopadhyaya. The trio very soon became the most popular group in Andhra Pradesh, so much so that they had the honour of performing for the then President of India, Dr.Rajendra Prasad. They called themselves “Simham & Party! As a student of the first batch at the Music College of Tirupathi, Narasimhachari had the privilege of learning from stalwarts such as Chittore Subramaniam Pillai, Prof. Sambamurthy, D. Pasupati, S.R. Janakiraman and V.L. Janakiram, Mridangam from Shanmuganandam Pillai and Bharatanatyam from Smt Kanchanamala.
A turning point in young Chari’s life was when Smt Rukmini Devi Arundale upon witnessing one of his performances invited him to join the internationally renowned Kalakshetra. So impressed was she that she even offered him a scholarship! While at Kalakshetra between the years 1962-67, Narasimhachari was trained in vocal music by the legendary M.D. Ramanathan and in Mridangam by Karaikudi Krishnamurthy. Smt. N.S.Jayalakshmi instilled in him the unique Kalakshetra Bani or style of dancing while Smt. Pushpa Shankar introduced him to the fascinating world of nattuvangam.
Narasimhachari graduated from Kalakshetra with a first class diploma and also obtained the Sangita Siromani degree from the Madras University.He is a singer par excellence and is a very popular concert musician. Narasimhachari is a multi-faceted artiste known for his technical virtuosity on the Mridangam. He is an Msc. in Yoga and has done extensive research on the use of yoga in dance. He has equipped himself with courses in Naturopathy, Homeopathy and Pranic Healing.
Narasimhachari, in collaboration with Dr.Samuel Magrill, Professor of Music, U.C.O, brought out the first and second volumes titled -Music of India. This series of four volumes explains from the basics to the concert level both theory and practical aspects in detail of South Indian classical Music in western notation, facilitate learning and comprehension to the Indian and Western students of Music. The two volumes of the series were prescribed for the music syllabus in the University.
A dancers' dancer and musicians' musician, Narasimhachari is a multi-faceted artiste also known for his technical virtuosity on the Mridangam. A lauded music composer, choreographer, singer, nattuvanar, mridangam player, concert musician, performing artiste of Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi and a guru of outstanding capacity, Narasimhachari was the president of ABHAI (Association of Bharatanatyam Artistes of India) for nine years.
####Vasanthalakshmi :
Vasanthalakshmi, who began her career in dance at a very young age, had her initial training from Sri Bhoopal, Sri. Adyar K. Lakshman and finally from Narasimhachari himself. She joined Narasimhachari as his wife and partner in the year 1969. She is not only a professional dancer and acharya par excellence of both Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, but a gifted linguist, lyricist and an accomplished nattuvanar. Her perfect diction of complex rhythmic syllables is a treat to the learned ear. She has to her credit, several Sabdams, Padams, Varnams and Mangalams. Amongst the proof of her expert penmanship are the very unique and critically acclaimed Varnams; one set to the raga Shanmukhapriya and Khanda Nadai Adi tala on Lord Subrahmanya and the other set to Keeravani on Lord Krishna for which she also composed music. She is also a proficient vainika who trained on the Veena under Smt. Kamala Aswathama and has enthralled audiences with her sweet command over the instrument. Known for her extraordinary creative brilliance, Vasanthalakshmi’s expertise with the “Simhanandana Tala Chitra Nrithyam” in which the dancer draws the image of a lion with her feet has won her critical acclaim. In 2016, she brought out a full-fledged DVD “Simhanandini- the Dancing Lion” dedicated to the genius of Guru C.R.Acharyulu and in memory of Guru M.V.Narasimhachari. Read Lessdedicated to the genius of Guru C.R.Acharyulu and in memory of Guru M.V.Narasimhachari.
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4.####True art should bring out best in everyone: Danseuse Vasanthalakshmi : on August 3, 2019 : M Anandavalli
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*The Narasimhacharis :
The Kalasamarpana Foundation was started by renowned dancing couple Vasanthalakshmi and late Narasimhachari in 1969 with the aim of promoting and propagating the fine arts.
Students are taught Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi styles of dancing, the basics of Carnatic music and the nuances of rhythm in the foundation.
The Narasimhacharis believe that true art should bring out the best in everyone and, hence, all lessons are taught in an atmosphere of love and respect, emphasising not only technical virtuosity but integrity and sound values as well.
Talking about the dance dramas the Narasimhacharis created, Vasanthalakshmi said, “We created about 34 original dance dramas and thematic presentations covering a wide range of themes from mythology, such as Kamba Ramayanam; Sivaleela and Saranam Aiyappa; historical stories such as Kalingatthupparani, Manimegalai, Yashodhara and Vasavadatta which focus on Buddhist themes, biographies of Annamacharya, Rukmini Devi and Tulsi Das, Purandaradasa; themes of social and moral relevance such Bharathi Kanda Bharatham and Subhashitham; and gems from literature like Meghasandesha, Ritu Samhara, Ainthinai – A Landscape of Emotions and so on.”
Even at the age of 63, her thirst for learning has not been quenched. She is now learning the art of nattuvangam. According to her, nattuvangam is the ‘sutra’ or thread that holds all the elements of a performance of natya together and ensures that it blossoms into a beautiful garland.
The nattuvanar, most often the knowledgeable teacher and choreographer, strives to bring out the best from his fellow musicians as well as the dancer. The art of nattuvangam is not just wielding the cymbals but is, in fact, the life force behind a successful presentation of natya, she said.
With a bright smile while talking about her husband and guru, she says, “My husband Narasimhachari was a choreographer, performer and guru par excellence. I consider it my good fortune that I am his disciple and wife as he made me his partner both on and off stage. He was a complete artiste because of his expertise in natyam, natakam, sangeetham and mridangam. His consummate knowledge of all these fields richly informed his exquisite choreography. Each of his productions is a masterpiece in itself and he continues to inspire us through all of our works.”
She added, “We are blessed that Lavanya and Lasya, our daughters, have imbibed the love for the art and are striving to continue this rich legacy through Rasoham, a registered trust that promotes excellence in the arts. Through Rasoham, they have been conducting the Unity Concert Series that unites artistes from various styles by offering them a common performance platform as well the opportunity to benefit from our tutelage. Swarnaanjali is the sixth such Unity Concert.”
Swarnaanjali is a celebration of the 50 golden years of the Kalasamarpana Foundation. The evening opens with an immersive photo gallery walk that will showcase rare pictures of the couple and their institution. The 90-minute dance offering features five excerpts culled from our 34 dance-dramas and thematic presentations. It features over a 100 artistes, with mellifluous music, complex choreography, special effects and spectacular visuals.
Vasanthalakshmi said this is a milestone occasion for the Kalasamarpana Foundation and “I thank the Almighty for having given us the strength to adhere to our core values of honesty and integrity in our pursuit of artistic excellence.”
When asked about the audience base for classical art forms, she says, “I find the youngsters of today completely invested in their learning and willing to go that extra mile to acquire knowledge. The audiences enjoy lecture demonstrations and are willing participants in interactive events in which they can take their understanding of natya forward. It is thrilling and inspiring for artistes to have an informed audience because it challenges them to give of their best.”
She also said, “Thankfully, this generation continues to have a lot of respect for the classical arts. It is beautiful to see youngsters accompanying their parents and grandparents to kutcheris. True knowledge and talent will always have an eager audience. I hope and pray that natyam and sangeetham continue to flourish and inspire our youth more and more.”
Bharatanatyam Exclusives
Apart from these full length productions, The Narasimhacharis have, to their credit, several varnams, thillanas and other dance compositions. The Sooladi Saptatala Pada Varnam- a dance dedicated to the life and work of Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale is the first of its kind in the Bharatanatyam repertoire. Another unique varnam is on Lord Subrahmanya set to raga Shanmukhapriya and Khanda nadai Adi tala. Smt Vasanthalakshmi is also a gifted lyricist and has penned the words to a number of pieces that were set to music by Guru Narasimhachari. These include, Shabdhams on the life of Lord Aiyappa, the Buddha, Navarasa Varnam depicting the entire Ramayana in Nine Rasas (Emotions) and Keeravani Varnam on Lord Krishna. Among their numerous thillanas, their Hindolam Thillana (Inspired by the Shahnai Maestro Bismillah Khan’s Malkaus) is one that comes to mind.
Kuchipudi Exclusives
The Narasimhacharis are also known for their exclusive dances in Kuchipudi – Ravana Mandodhari, Prahlada Charitham, Tarangam (the famous plate dance) and Simhanandini – a unique number belonging to the ritual dances of the temple in Andhra Pradesh. In this, the dancer draws the figure of a lion with her feet. Simhanandana tala which takes 128 beats for one cycle is the longest tala in the Indian tala system. They have researched and worked on some special Kuchipudi numbers such as Naa Hrudaya Peetipai, Jathikattu, Sivaleelalu but are also known to have added some exclusive pieces to the repertoire such as Subhadra-Arjuneeyam, Mohini Bhasmasura (music by Dr.M.Balamuralikrishna), Paravasapradam (based on the 11 aspects of Natya Sastra) and the Ashtavidha Nayika Padam.
In the year 1981, The Narasimhacharis had the opportunity to learn the Mayura Kouthamu and Simhanandini- the ritual dances of temples from Guru C.R.Acharyulu. Vasanthalakshmi Narasimhachari brought out a full-fledged DVD “Simhanandini- the Dancing Lion” in the year 2016, dedicated to the genius of Guru C.R.Acharyulu and in memory of Guru M.V.Narasimhachari.
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5.#####The role of nattuvanar in Natya : JULY 25, 2019 : Gayatri Srikanth
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Lasya and Lavanya
Vasanthalakshmi Narasimhachari described how the nattuvanar becomes the ‘sutradhar’
Vasanthalakshmi Narasimhachari, the graceful dancer, choreographer and nattuvanar, recently delivered a sparkling lecture-demonstration for Natyarangam, the dance wing of Narada Gana Sabha. The topic, “In conversation with Natyam and Nattuvangam” was thought provoking. Many from the Bharatanatyam fraternity and rasikas had come mainly for two reasons — appearance of Vasanthalakshmi on the dance stage and the creativity in choreography involving adavus and jatis, for which the Narasimhacharis are well-known.
Vasanthalakshmi, who began her career in dance at a very young age, joined Narasimhachari as his wife and partner in 1969 and together they danced, taught and set up their dance school. So it was only fitting that she started the programme with a tribute to Narasimhachari and mentioned how fortunate she was to have had the opportunity to watch a genius at close quarters.
The lecture started with Vasanthalakshmi describing Natyam as a comprehensive body and Nattuvangam being an important limb of that whole, and one that encompasses and ensures a smooth flow of all the aspects pertaining to the presentation. Natyam has undergone changes over the years and today takes on many formats — solo, group and dance-drama. The same is true with the art of Nattuvangam. Traditionally the Nattuvanar was the guru and the choreographer, and also the one who wielded the cymbals. In recent times the Nattuvanar is often another accompanying artiste. But Vasanthalakshmi described the Nattuvanar as the “Sutradhar” of the present day, whose responsibility it is to maintain a constant ‘conversation’ with the singer, percussion-player and the dancer. She also talked of how Narasimhachari was a gifted choreographer, who would create ‘moments’ within his pieces in such a way that fellow-musicians could also showcase their talents.
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