INTACH hosts ‘Natya Chari,’ a special Bharatanatyam demonstration

Harikrishna Punaroor praises Bharatanatyam's rise in coastal districts, emphasizing its cultural significance and artistic achievements.

Former Kannada Sahitya Parishat president Harikrishna Punaroor has said that it was heartening to see Bharatanatyam gaining prominence in the coastal districts, where it was relatively less popular around 50 years ago.

He was speaking at the inaugural session of Natya Chari, a special Bharatanatyam demonstration presentation by dancer Vidushi Ayana Perla on Friday, April 4 at the Kodialguthu Centre for Art and Culture under the aegis of the Mangaluru Chapter of INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) here.

Mr. Punaroor emphasised the importance of encouraging this rich and refined art form.

Bharatanatyam Guru Vidushi Sharadamani Shekhar, noted the growing number of students and enthusiasts of the art form today. She expressed pride in the artistic achievements of Vidushi Perla, describing her as a rising star in the field.

Speaking on the occasion entrepreneur M. Muralidhar Shetty said that Bharatanatyam is a complete art that harmoniously blends music, costume, dance, and expressive performance. It reflects the rich heritage and cultural ethos of India, he said.

In her performance and demonstration, Vidushi Perla explained that ‘Chari’ refers to the meaningful body movements in Bharatanatyam that complement the lyrics and emotions conveyed through abhinaya (expression). Chari, she said, was a vital element that enriches and completes the aesthetic experience of Natya. She went on to illustrate various dimensions of ‘Chari’ through her expressive dance presentation.

Intach Mangaluru Convener Subhash Chandra Basu, writer and retired AIR programme head Vasant Kumar Perla and others were present.