The last few months have seen the world of dance lose the inspiring and enriching support and guidance of stalwarts such as dancer-choreographer Chandralekha, Kathakali guru Govindan Kutty, Bharatanatyam guru Padmini Rao, Kuchipudi guru Korada Narasimha Rao and Bharatanatyam guru Narmada who are all no longer with us. Just before she passed away, Guru Narmada was honored with the Sangeet Natak Academy award. Life, no doubt, goes on, but the sense of deep loss lingers.
In addition to the regular features, this issue of Drishti carries its updated, exclusive Drishti Art Resources, the directory of artists and art-related establishments. Care has been taken in compiling the data but we welcome corrections and additions, if any.
‘Folk Forms of Karnataka’ features Veeragase and a chat with one of its most famous exponents, G. P. Jagadish.
Leela Ramanathan writes about the graceful dance style Mohini Attam (the dance of the enchantress). Mridangam legend Pudhukotai Dakshinamurthy Pillai is featured in ‘Legends of our Land’ and our tete-a-tete is with R. K. Padmanabha, one of those rare artists who even an ordinary man on the street can relate to.
Various artists have contributed their views in Drishti Sadas to the debate ‘Pay to Perform/Perform for Free’.
In the recent months, there have been a spate of Rangapraveshas of many young, aspiring dancers. Drishti congratulates all of them and wishes them a bright future.
Bon voyage and best wishes to the many dancers from Bangalore who are touring abroad this season for performances.
T. M. Vikranth & N. Narayan