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February 10, 2009 Gurus VP Dhananjayan and Shanta Dhananjayan have journeyed through six decades long experience forging a path for a galaxy of dancers and musicians in their wake. Bharata Kalanjali founded by them in 1968 is a trend-setting institution that stands testament to their creative genius, contributing a new dimension to the tradition of Bharatanaatyam. The couple has produced, composed, and performed countless solos, duos and theatrical productions that have spanned art festivals and prestigious venues across the globe. The Dhananjayans have won numerous awards and accolades for their exemplary caliber as performers, choreographers, teachers, and composers of music. The latest recognition to come their way is the Padma Bhushan award from the Govt of India. Naatyacharya VP Dhananjayan shares his happiness at having won this recognition.
Since the award was announced, we have received congratulatory notes and messages from numerous connoisseurs, well-wishers and admirers from around the world. We are really touched by their sincere appreciation, and the love and regards they have in us. We genuinely feel it is their goodwill that has kept us going all this while and thank every one of them from the bottom of our heart for their greetings on this joyous occasion. While we accept this award, we are humbled by the greatness of this art form that we practice and would like to offer it at the altar of our learning - Kala-kshetra. Many gurus,
who are sincerely dedicated to their art are yet to receive recognition.
Would you say the Padma Bhushan has come to you rather late in life?
Almost 20 years ago, political circles in Kerala sent me a feeler about whether I would be interested in heading Kerala Kalamandalam, but I did not want to be a party to any political set up. Before the Government of India decided to take over Kalakshetra, I was asked by the bureaucratic circle whether they could recommend my name for the directorship. Feeling the pulse of our colleagues and others there, who may not want me in Kalakshetra, I just recommended more eligible candidates for that post. When there were rumors that a non Kalakshetrian might get the post, I vehemently opposed the idea in letter and spirit, had a long conversation with revered R Venkatraman, who then said, "You would have been the ideal person, but…?" He did not elaborate and I did not probe deeper. When Leela Samson was appointed, he called me and asked, "Are you happy now?" I said, "Yes, sir." In your
recent book, 'Beyond performance,' you have written on subjects other than
arts. Your forthright observations sometimes create controversies. Comment.
When Stalin was Mayor of Madras, I had given a proposal to make Chennai the most beautiful city. But there was of course no response. That proposal letter is published in my book. Can you call that controversial? In fact, if I had not interfered and vehemently opposed a non-Kalakshetrian taking over the mantle there, things would have been different in Kalakshetra today. Can you call this controversial? After the recent Mumbai terrorist attack, I have written to various print and electronic media, how best we can tackle the terrorist menace. But I know no one is going to listen to me, and some newspapers even told me, "You are an artiste, why don't you just confine yourself to art matters only?" Of late,
any time you speak on stage, you always urge people to use the term 'naatya'
and not 'dance.' Why are you so vehement about this?
If you do
you have any particular post in mind, what would that be?
Your Bhaaskara
project in Kerala did not work out. Now that you have wound it up, do you
have any other venture in mind?
The reason for taking this up is, after Bharata's Naatya Saastra, no one has attempted to record these new additions in Karanas, changes in costume designs, body postures, theatrical and stage presentations etc. Writers have been chewing the same cud over and over again, and copying the same sculptures of Karanas repeatedly, not paying attention and importance to the history and developmental aspects of performing arts. Going back to the previous question, certainly if I have a noticeable position in the society that may carry weight, to impress upon people to co-operate with this monumental project without strings attached. These kinds of work need total dedication towards perfection and not allow us to think of any benefits whatsoever. It should be taken as God's work, like the ancient temples and monuments which are great and useful inspirations for many generations to come. Contact:
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The
Dhananjayans dedicate their Padma award to their alma-mater
Congratulations
on your being awarded the Padma Bhushan. How did you react to this wonderful
news?
I
speak nothing but truth, but telling the truth becomes a controversy. Those
who are affected by my forthright and outspoken attitude may say I am controversial.
I have always been a spokesperson for artistes and taken up issues about
art and artistes. A lot of good things have happened due to my initiative
taken in the Bharatanaatyam field. In my two books, I have written
about various positive issues on art and culture, suggested various solutions
to many existing problems and issues. I have always been interested
in the welfare of the society and in my last book 'Beyond performance:
Art and culture,' I have talked about issues like environmental pollution,
cleaning up the city, corruption in politics, linking rivers, solving Kashmir
problem, and several issues and solutions for national security and national
integration.