“I must have attended more than 100 to 150 rangapravesams. I have never seen anything like this. Sindhu is outstanding and mesmerizing and the gurus’ talent spectacular. Excellent rendering.”–– Anand Kuchibhotla, president and founder of Silicon Andhra
The Audience Reaction Madhavi Chimata, an engineer whose own daughter performs classical dance, could not contain her awe of the “hypnotic” items in this rangapravesam. “From the distinct items to the stage affects, spellbinding music, Kaushalya Reddy’s nattuvangam, everything was enthralling! This is how kuchipudi must be spread, in its purest form, and in several languages to reach out to all,” she said. According to Chimata – whose husband, Srinivas Chimata, founded the well-known American Progressive Telugu Association (APTA) of the Bay Area – the kuchipu- di dance’s core form has been diluted by other dance for- mats. “Kuchipudi unfortunately is being turned into semi- classical format by overachievers to gain quick popularity,” she said. “What I have seen from Sindhu’s show is a feast to my eyes. I got hope kuchipudi will be popular soon in pres- tigious circles and taken seriously if this pure format is pop- ularized. Hats off to her gurus.” The president and founder of Silicon Andhra, a promi- nent Bay Area cultural organization, Anand Kuchibhotla, said, “I must have attended more than 100 to 150 ran- gapravesams. I have never seen anything like this. Sindhu is fascinating and the gurus’ talent spectacular. Excellent rendering.” A supporter of cultural arts, Kuchibhotla has contributed extensive service to the Kuchipudi village in Andhra Pradesh, in addition to organizing yearly kuchipu- di conventions in the United States and India.
Often, Sindhu expressed fear that her performance would not resonate with those who are unfamiliar with the kuchipudi art form. Growing up, she would observe that men (fathers, brothers) often remained disinterested at kuchipudi performances, choosing to stay outside during rangapravesams. However, many novices in the audiences found the items unique, engrossing and riveting. “When the performance started late, I was going to leave,” said Manohar Mahavadi of Fremont, his voice gruff with emotion. “I am not usually very interested in dance performances. But the minute Sindhu came on stage with her Ganpati Vandana, I was spellbound. From then on, I could not move from my seat. It was extraordinary. Her dance, the choreography, the stage effects and her gurus’ affectionate presence gave it all an-out-of-the-world, mes- merizing sensation.” For many, the music enriched by Manohar Balatchandirane’s Mridangam, Madhvi Mehta’s (Sason ki Mala) Hindustani and Deevi Ravikanth’s Carnatic vocal, Dr. Manda Anantha Krishna’s flute, Guru Prasath’s violin refined with Kaushalya Reddy’s powerful nattuvangam and narration ( Sita’s Ramayana ) ––all added stunning and pow- erful pitch to Sindhu’s performance. “The overall effect was phenomenal,” said Bhawani Pothana, Sindhu’s aunt who came from India. “A feeling of cosmic power and energy floated through my veins as I watched the show. The sensation is unbelievable. It’s as if my soul was lifted to another world.”
16 www.indiaparentmagazine.org
October 2019
Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog