Awesome !

I am incredibly happy ! Though a little upset over some aspects, over all, I am Happy, and Content. It was a decent show, and I have recieved some fabulous appreciation, and also some criticism. I got cited, and covered by seven local newspapers ! And It all feels awesome !!

It is such an exhilarating feeling to have pursued a passion, and listen to some praises, comforting words, from the eminent people present, and the audienence alike. It was a proud moment for my parents, and I felt even more proud to have put them in those shoes.

Two pics of the event close to my heart :)

I want to thank evry single person who made this evening possible, and those who have been my support in every walk of life.

Thoughts unstoppered.

It has been such a long time since I've written anything about the happennings in my life. So, today, I just suddenly had this thought. There is so much going on in my life at the moment, I just so, have to document it!

I am incredibly excited about the dance performance that's coming up. I am also at the same time, so tensed, whether I shall be able to recreate the magic on stage, even today, 4 years from my last performance. I have worked so very hard for just this moment in time. I have put in every effort, and worked up every cell in my body for this one. I desperately want this  to work. I crave the stage, and spotlight once again, but am also fearful whether I shall be able to utilise, and showcase my talent or not.  I am even losing my appetite! Mixture of  all these emotions makes me want to write a poem to put it all out ( may be 'cause, I seem to express myself much better in poetry, than in any other form of expression).

So I go ahead, and get a pen, and a paper( sounds much better than saying, I just opened MS word :D), to write that poem, and get those thoughts out. Here is what I ended up with.

Overwhelming.
Thats what all this is.
I remember,
may be you've forgetten,
but oh yes, I do.
The sound still rings in my ears,
and what sound!
The most beautiful one
could yearn for.
Applause.
Crave for it, we all do.
Spotlight, upon me.
Center of attaraction.
Appreciation showered, by all alike.
All of six years.
Today, almost eons later,
I yearn, crave, and want,
everything again.
But, Worry, Nerves,
envelope me,
Will I shine once more?
Or, will I loom dark?
Then, the tiny voice,
I hear,
"Leave it to the Lord, my love,
Leave it all to him."
Peace. Confidence. Acceptance. Courage.
Fill my heart.

Well those are my thoughts, out and about now. I feel so much lighter, and happy to have shared all this with you. I truly feel at peace. And woah ! Looks like I just got my appetite back, am going to go and grab a sandwich now. Chao !

Amy Kumar-A thinking Dancer

Q. How did your journey with Kuchipudi begin?

A: Well, I don’t know how to put it as a journey. It all happened ten years back, I was in the 5^th standard and I always loved dancing. It wasn’t kuchipudi as such because I come from a Christian background, and Classical dance wasn’t something that was introduced to me by my family. It so happened that I was at my Father’s Office in Habsiguda(Hyderabad), and there was a Dance institute in the adjacent house. I saw children dancing, and asked my mother to take me there, and that’s how it started.

Q. How important a role does your family play in this successful journey of yours?

A: According to me, Family plays a very important role in anything you do in life, dancing in particular. I say this because I have seen a lot of people give up this art form because of lack of family support. In a lot of families, people are against dance itself, because of the elements of its past, like the Devadasi system, where girls used to dance in temples, or the mujras of the north etc. Thus for a lot of reasons people don’t appreciate classical dance. Thus Family support is very important. Even more so, because like every other field, even this one has a lot of politics, and other testing times. I consider myself very lucky to have had the support of my family at all times. Before, I realised my interest in dance, my parents realised it. Not just my parents but also my extended family, my grandparents, my uncles and aunts, they always came for all my shows. I’ve been very lucky that way. On a scale of 1 to 100, I would give them 101.

Q. Tell us some more about your Guru, and do tell us that which feature of hers inspires you the most.

A: I learnt my basics from Mr.Raghavachary and later pursued dance under the tutelage Mrs. Krishna Bharathi for five years.

My present guru is Dr. Anupama Kailash, she holds a PhD in Classical Dance. She is very young compared to other gurus in the city. She’s a very easy person to deal with, especially for youngsters, because she comes down to our level, she thinks at our level and then interacts. She’s very different from the usual traditional gurus, even the way she teaches is different from the traditional way of teaching dance. The way she tries to relate things to us, especially when she is choreographing, or when she’s teaching she makes it a little more interesting. Best thing about her is that she makes us understand the meaning of what we’re dancing, the theory and everything. I truly love her for everything that I have learnt from her.

One thing that I really admire about her is her creativity. It is very evident when we see a work of hers, that there is always something different, something new in it. She puts in a lot of effort to do something different from the same old items, and dances. She is able to relate to the happenings around us today, and put that into the dance form. She’s very contemporary, and a thinking dancer.

Q. What do you mean by a thinking dancer?

A: Well, It means that she always takes some time to do a proper research about the topic, and theory upon which she is to perform, and then choreographs. For example, two years back we did this ballet called ‘Krishnam Vande Jagat Gurum’. Even before she started the choreography, she took about 2-3 months to do some research about Lord Krishna, and thus many unknown aspects of Krishna were brought out in that ballet. A Lot of theory has gone into it, not only the dance, but also the lyrics and vocal aspect. I don’t say that such dancers are completely absent, but such people are very few.

Q. You’ve had the rare opportunity of performing with a doyen of Kuchipudi like Dr. Swapnasundari. How much do you value that opportunity, and how has it impacted your dance?

A: Well, Dr.Swapnasundari garu is an amazing person. She is full of knowledge, a fantastic choreographer, and dancer and you could say that there is an aura of knowledge radiating from her. The first time that I met her, I was scared, because it was very evident that she is a Padmabhushan. She knows what she’s worth and proud of it too. That’s one of the things that I learnt from her. I had taken part in a ballet choreographed by her, and it was a very different experience from what I was used to with my Guru. The training sessions were vigorous, and that’s another thing I learnt, that no matter how big or great dancer you may become, training and practice are very important. We were with her for a month, and we would practice for at least 3-4 hours every day. She also gave us a piece to choreograph on our own, which was a great experience. We can also just watch her perform and learn. Her abhinaya(expressions) and her footwork is simply amazing. It was an amazing experience in totality, and I feel very lucky to have gotten this opportunity. I give the credit to my Guru for giving me the opportunity; it was through her that I was introduced to Dr.Swapnasundari garu.

Q. IS there anything in your life that you would like to unlearn?

A: Nothing. I’m happy with everything I have learnt, and experienced. I think that it was necessary for me to see both the good and bad aspects of things; otherwise I wouldn’t appreciate what I have. Witnessing the politics in the field, being pushed back, being called arrogant at the age of fourteen , are some of the things that I have been through, but even they have taught me a thing or two. I appreciate what I have, more now because of everything that I have experienced. I’m also happy that I learnt even some of the wrong things in dance, because, now, I look back and laugh at all that. I’m happy about everything that I have done.

Q. That’s a great attitude to carry forward in life. I also know that you’re not only an accomplished dancer, but also a Veena artiste, are you also learning Nattuvangam?

A: I will be training very soon in Nattuvangam also, as I take classes at home now. Dance is an integral part of my future and hence I will learn everything that is related to dance.

Q. You’re also teaching Kuchipudi at Tarnaka(Hyderabad), do you enjoy teaching?

A: I do enjoy teaching; it’s something that I’ve always enjoyed doing. I think it’s something that runs in my blood because both my mother and my maternal grandmother were teachers. I like sharing what little I know, and I thoroughly enjoy it.

Q. Be it being a meritorious student, a successful dancer, or a veena artiste, you’ve been there and done that. How do you manage to strike that perfect balance?

A: I don’t really know, I just do things as they come. When I’m doing a particular thing, I give it my 100%. I don’t do half baked things. We have 24 hours a day, just divide your day and give each part your 100%. The most important thing of all is Interest, and dedication. If you have the interest to do it, you will automatically give your 100% to it.

Q. What is your most defining moment?

A: There are quite a few of them, but I think that the most emotional one of them was when I did my Arangetram(Ranga Pravesham) in my 9^th standard. I was to propose the vote of thanks, and I broke down while thanking my parents. That has been recorded in a lot of people’s minds and many even remember me that way till this day. That was the day when I realised how lucky I was to have such amazing parents

There was this school competition which I participated in, when I was in my 6^th standard. It was the first time I was dancing on stage and the whole experience of getting dressed up and dancing excited me a lot. My mom at the back of her mind wanted me to win. I won the competition, and my mother was in tears.

Also, meeting so many people, artistes, being honoured and appreciated after a program.

There are many small things like this. I’m a very happy person. I’m happy with a lot of things in life. Every time I see a smile on my parent’s faces when I achieve something.

Q. As a Dancer of today, what’re your main concerns?

A: I just hope that more thinking dancers come into existence, and not stick to same old things. For instance, the way we dress in Kuchipudi, and the synchronization is not great. That’s probably one of the reasons why, when we go out of Andhra or India, Bharatnatyam is more widely known. It’s not that we don’t have it in us to be that way, but we’re just content with what we have. Thus people of our age, should try and make the effort , as it is equal to Bharatnatyam in every way.

Q. Besides, Kuchipudi, and Veena what are your other hobbies?

A: I love reading, its something I’ve started doing off late. I love spending time with my family, I’m a very family person. I love sleeping and eating. I’m like any other teenager, who loves doing the regular stuff.

Q. What is the scene in the dancing arena for other upcoming artistes?

A: It’s very good as long as you have your family’s support, a good Guru, dedication, and the readiness to face some politics. I think the opportunities are going to improve specially in Kuchipudi, as no one is ready to stand in the background for long. Everyone wants to take the centre stage. Things are definitely going to be better.

Q. What are your future plans?

A: Academically, I would want to continue with my MSc. When it comes to dance, I’m done with my BA in dance, and I wish to do my MA. Right now this is it; whatever happens later shall be seen.

Dheera Dheera Magadheera !

I must admit that i had booked tickets for this movie half-heartedly. Simply wanted to see it to pass time. I'm no fan of Ram Charan, though i believe that he is quite a good dancer.
The after experience of the movie however completely changed my perception of both Ram Charan and Telugu Cinema in general.

Wow ! What a movie! Its got style!
Wondering why ? I give you five reasons to check out this flick in your nearest theatre.

• Wonderful Special effects:

Though it is no Matrix or Gladiator or 300. It is definitely the best we have seen till now in Telugu Cinema. Really amazing animation, the scenes of the kingdom, and its architecture are truly awesome.

• Good Music:

Have to hand it over to Keeravani for this. I should say that recreation of the song 'bangaru kodi petta' is fabulous. 'Panchadara Bomma' and ' Dheera Dheera' are good. Ofcourse, the song 'bagundi' is a dud. But the other songs make up for this one. Background score is also decent.

• Great Screenplay and Direction:

Kudos to Rajamouli, every detail has been taken care of very well. The narrative technique is good. Details have been parted with on the screen at the right time, in the perfect manner. Like the beginning of the movie, with only glimpses of what is yet to come, and what has gone by, is very innovative.

• Great Performances:

Charan has given a wonderful performance in this one. He has improved a lot from his first movie. Be it in his dancing or expressions. He still does need to work on his diction of Telugu, and the dialogue delivery is a bit unclear. Kudos to this Horse riding! He has done marvellous job. even his Dance is superb, and very natural. In these two arenas seems like he has surpassed his father. Kajal Aggarwal is also good, and this time, does more than simply smiling or glancing around. Dev Gil has also put up a very good show, and truly makes a shiver run down your spine. Even though Srihari has a very less screen time, he has done a great job in two completely opposite characters in the same movie.

• Chiranjeevi!

Last but in no way the least Chiranjeevi ! He has but 5 minutes of screen time, but he doesn't fail to charm us even today. You're pleading to him after that, asking him to quit politics and get back to the silver screen.

Well, there you have it. A great movie, a surely the birth of better Telugu cinema.

On a date with a Damsel...

Ashrita Vemuganti is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer and a budding artist in the performing field. She is a senior disciple of the world-renowned Bharatanatyam exponent Smt. Rajeswari Sainath, director of Shruthi Laya Kendra Natarajaalaya [SLKN]. In the last decade, she has given more than 70 performances at various stages, both solo and group. In June 2007, she made her international debut at the Indian High Commission, Malaysia. Recently, she was selected all over India as one of the SPICMACAY scholars. She has a certificate course, both in Carnatic music and dance. Being a senior student of SLKN, she now trains a batch of beginners and actively choreographs ballets at the college level.
A highly meritorious student throughout her school and college, she has won trophies for being the best-all rounder, best student and so on. In the last 5 years, she has won more than 50 prizes in academic, literary and cultural competitions. She is currently pursuing bachelors in Psychology from St. Francis Degree College for Women. She wants to make the best use of her multi-faceted personality to spread awareness about Indian art, discuss burning issues and create an impact on the youth.

Q. How did your journey with Bharatnatyam begin?

A: When I was around three or four, my Mum saw me grooving to these bollywood numbers and she thought that I had this ‘thing’ for dance. And that’s how we came to know about a teacher who lived in the nearby colony and got started.

Q. Why did you choose Bharatnatyam and not any other form of dance?

A: Initially, till I was about ten or twelve, it didn’t really strike me, that what I was learning was Bharatnatyam. It also happened that I went through a phase when I would any day prefer a Madhuri Dixit number to doing a Jathiswaram or Allaripu. But I could say that since the past two years, I have realised the importance of getting back our culture. It is so pleasing to know that one would enjoy a fast bollywood number for a day or two and forget it the next, but not an excellent performance.

Q. How important a role does your family play in your success?

A: My world starts and ends with my Mum. It’s very important for my family to be supportive. If they hadn’t said ‘yes’ to every single milestone of mine, I wouldn’t have been able to do many things.

Q. Tell us more about your Guru, and also do tell us which feature of hers inspires you the most.

A: I’ve been lucky to have trained under two Gurus. My first Guru was Smt. Priya Karthikeyan, who has now moved to Chennai. She gave me the foundation, which I believe is an extremely important part of dance. She was very good at Abhinaya, and that’s where my Abhinaya also improved. After joining my present Guru, Rajeshwari akka, the world renowned artiste, there has been no looking back. My footwork has gotten very strong. Dance is a combination of hand movements, gestures, eye movement, and as my Guru puts it, it’s a multi organ movement, and hence requires a lot of concentration.

The most striking thing about her is her dedication. It just makes you want to do more and more. And, for any student encouragement from the guru is the biggest boost and i've been extremely lucky as Akka is very supportive to all of us students.



Q. We know that you’re a multi-faceted personality yourself; you hold a certificate course in Carnatic music and Dance. So, what about Nattuvangam, are you learning that too and have you debuted on stage yet?

A: It’s been two years that I am assisting my Guru in taking classes at the Jubilee hills centre, and due to which my Nattuvangam has strengthened, but I am yet to debut on stage. I am just waiting to get on stage, sit next to the orchestra and say ‘thaiyum thatha’.

Q. In this age of CDs, DVDs and everything coming ready made, how important a role does the live orchestra play?

A: To start with, it’s thrilling to have a set of people sitting on stage and playing. Music is very soothing even the most chaotic auditorium can fall silent in a minute, if you have a striking performance with incredible music. In this age of CDs and DVDs, if the sound system goes bad, it can be quite detrimental to the performance. But if the recording and sound system is good, then its okay, but nothing matches the live orchestra.

Q. You’re the winner of a Dance reality show on TV, so how doe feel to be on TV? Is it different from giving a live performance?

A: The process of going to another state and competing with the dancers of that state was truly exciting. We never paid any attention to the camera rolling or the anchor speaking, all we were bothered about was our performance on stage; in other words, it was no different from a live performance. Only after everything was over that we realised that it was a TV show. When it came to doing my bit, my dance was all that mattered to me.

Q. You made your international debut at the Indian High Commission, Malaysia. How did that feel and how important was it for you?

A: Speaking honestly, two years ago dance meant something else to me, now dance means much more to me. When my mother said that I was going to debut there, it sounded exciting and the experience was thrilling, but somehow my aesthetic sense was not very active then. But talking about its importance, now. I value it a lot and in a way, you can call it my defining moment.

Q. Like you said, you’re handling classes at your Jubilee hills centre, and so do you enjoy teaching?

A: I love teaching! I love dealing with youngsters. I think that young minds are the most beautiful creation of God. Not just dance, but I love conducting sessions, due to which I take part in a lot youth programs. I am there wherever I can go and make my contribution there.

Q. How did SPICMACAY happen?

A: It happened accidentally, one of my aunts, just called and said that there was an advertisement in the newspaper and that they were offering scholarships and I could learn whatever I wanted to learn. I looked through the list and saw Kathak, and all I remembered was Madhuri in Devdas. Very few got selected, and with my guru we were just four students. In order to attend this, I had to miss my diploma exams, but I felt that a diploma can happen any other time also, but not this.

Q. Be it being a meritorious student or a successful dancer, a great organiser or an enthusiastic teacher, you’ve been there and done that, how do you manage to strike the perfect balance?

A: It has a lot to do with watching my Mum, my Guru and my senior Smitha Madhav. I've seen these women, play so many different roles to perfection and that’s rubbed onto me so much. My father's multi-dimensional personality has also influenced me a lot. My Mum, who's a scientist, a doctor, a mother, all put into one, is my role model. Seeing all these people manage so many things so well, makes you feel like you're capable of it too. That’s what is needed for a person to be capable, not the potential or talent. My study of Psychology has also changed my outlook, that’s where my mind plays a role. Just one appreciation also encourages me a lot. When you fail, you know the importance of success. Its basically just the need or desire to do it all.

Q. What are your other hobbies?

A: I love reading books, writing poetry, taking care of my dogs,meeting up old friends, watching movies (big-time bollywood fan) and I just love cleaning . I love to see cleanliness and neatness every where!

Q. What are your future plans?

A: As of now, I am in my final year of graduation in Psychology. Dance and Psychology are my priorities right now. I plan to continue pursuing my various inerests in terms of contributing to society through many channels. I want to communicate to the world with whatever I have. Visual media is very powerful, through dance ballets and dramas, through my poetry, articles and talking to young minds, going to schools and inspiring people. In short make a difference in the world through my art form. It’s so divine and powerful. I am very grateful to all my teachers, and don't have any regrets in my life.
When the cause is great, the result is greater. I want to keep my cause very humble, and I expect the results to be so.