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 Dr. Sathyanarayana Raju: From AgriCulture to Culture, Paddy fields to the ProsceniumText & photos: Srivatsa Shandilyae-mail: vatsaphoto@gmail.com January 4, 2026 From the quiet rhythm of paddy fields to the disciplined geometry of the proscenium, Dr. Sathyanarayana Raju's journey is one of transformation shaped by perseverance, devotion, and grace. Rooted in an agricultural upbringing and guided by an unwavering inner calling, his life in Bharatanatyam spans four decades - cultivated with the same patience, discipline, and integrity that once defined the soil he grew up on. Celebrating 43 years of Bharatanatyam through the Navarasa Dance captivated me from a very young age, even though I grew up in an agricultural family where art was not part of daily life. Ours was a world shaped by farming, discipline, and physical rigour - my father himself was a kushti pattu wrestler. Everything changed when, as a fifth-standard student, I watched Siri Siri Muvva with my mother. Jayaprada's performance left a lasting impression and continues to inspire me; I still hope to meet her once before I stop dancing. After the film, I found myself dancing instinctively in our paddy fields, moved purely by joy. Though the spark came early, I began formal training only at seventeen. While visiting my aunt, I heard the rhythms of tattu kolu and discovered Subhadra Madam's class. The fee was just twenty rupees - an amount I somehow gathered, unaware that it would change my life. From the very first day, sitting comfortably in aramandi - thanks to my yoga practice - I felt an inner shift. Learning naattu adavu, even while practising with my bicycle for support, taught me the value of strong basics - paya adi paya illade. Those foundations became the backbone of my journey, allowing me to learn from many gurus and continue dancing with purpose and depth. Sringara - Reflections on Love and Abhinaya Which moment on stage truly made you fall in love with Bharatanatyam? My journey into sringara was gradual and deeply introspective. My first profound connection was with Bhakti rasa, through which all other emotions unfolded. For a male Bharatanatyam dancer, Sringara demands sensitivity, restraint, and awareness of body language. Years of relentless work refined my abhinaya, allowing emotion to emerge without exaggeration. Nearly thirty years ago, I realised I could express love with honesty and confidence - that was a turning point in my artistic life.   Laughter naturally weaves itself into a dancer's life. During intense group or duet performances, a shared glance after a small mistake often led to silent laughter on stage. Rehearsals were filled with humour, playful teasing, and spontaneous improvisations. Even everyday life found its way into expression - reminding me that joy keeps both the dancer and the art alive. Karuna - Compassion as strength Karuna has been deeply transformative for me. During personal lows, the compassion shown by people around me helped me regain strength. After performances portraying characters like Shabari or Dasaratha, audience members would hold my hand, visibly moved. Even within my family, empathy and care continue to touch me deeply, reaffirming faith in human connection. Raudra - Discipline beyond anger Raudra often arises offstage, especially when the dignity of the art is compromised. There were moments when unreasonable demands tested my patience. Yet, once the music begins, anger must be set aside. Bharatanatyam taught me discipline - the ability to transform inner turbulence into controlled expression. The stage remains sacred.  Veera - Courage in commitment Courage, for me, is commitment without fear. Once a decision is made, I give it my complete energy. I once ran a 10-kilometre marathon on the very day of an evening performance - an act demanding both physical stamina and mental resolve. Veera lies in standing firm and not retreating from challenges.  Bibhatsa - Standing against injustice What disturbs me most is injustice - broken commitments and lack of integrity. Dishonesty unsettles me deeply. Respect for the art and for one another is non-negotiable. Bhayanaka - Facing fear head on Choosing Bharatanatyam as a lifelong profession was itself Bhayanaka. The uncertainty of survival and recognition haunted my early years. Performing Panchali in theatre for the first time, delivering dialogues in Kannada, was deeply intimidating. Even today, a trace of fear before stepping on stage keeps me grounded and alert. Adbhuta - The sense of wonder Adbhuta arises when I watch great dancers perform - those moments when the audience sits spellbound. Though I remain humble about my own journey, audience feedback moves me deeply. Such moments reaffirm the magic of dance. Shanta - Peace earned over time Shanta comes after the journey - when performances end and conversations soften. My true peace lies in my students. Guiding them, trusting them, and watching them grow allows me to step back with contentment. Mangala - A message for the future To the next generation, I say: celebrate your art with patience and sincerity. Do not chase overnight fame. Stay with one Guru for many years. Conclusion Dance is collective - musicians, lighting designers, photographers, and technicians must understand the art. Technology should enhance expression, not overpower it. Above all: dance joyfully, truthfully, and with purpose. As Dr. Sathyanarayana Raju completes sixty years of age, his Bharatanatyam journey stands as a living embodiment of the Navarasa - rooted in discipline, shaped by courage, softened by compassion, and elevated by wisdom. From paddy fields to proscenium stages, his life reflects how dedication, strong foundations, and integrity can transform passion into a timeless artistic legacy.  Srivatsa Shandilya is a photojournalist and director of International Arts & Cultural Foundation, Bengaluru. Responses * His life itself is tapasya. With unwavering discipline, silent struggle, and immense patience, he has offered every breath to the sadhana of Bharatanatyam. May his tapasya continue to guide and bless generations of students, It feels like a blessing to see such a testimony of tapasya in our lives—a person so simple, humble, and down-to-earth. May the Divine’s anugraha always be upon him. We are blessed to have such a soul with us. - Harini (Jan 5, 2026) * Dear sir, This journey proves that when devotion meets discipline. You are the great example that the simplest beginnings can lead to extraordinary artistic legacies. Jai Sri Ram. - Kavitha Reddy (Jan 5, 2026) * Beautiful writeup. As a parent, Veera and Raudra sections in the writeup really touched me. They are not just for students, but for life. Yet, in this young age, when rebellion and impulsive answers are common,the way Sathya sir speaks about channelising anger through discipline and commitment is something every student can quietly reflect on and learn from. - Ilayasoundari Ilayappan (Jan 5, 2026) * Through his unwavering discipline and quiet humility, he has become both a torchbearer of tradition and a guiding light for generations. This journey stands as a blessed testament to art lived as worship. - Kusuma CP (Jan 5, 2026) * What a profound analogy of Navarasas with anecdotes from life and learning. Beautifully worded article encapsulating your journey as a person and accomplished artiste. On eve of your birthday and 60th performance, I offer you sincere thanks and congratulations: celebrating the person, the guru and the artiste. Life dedicated to art and grace that inspires us all. - Varsha Deepak (Jan 5, 2026) * This article gives such a beautiful insight into your thoughts, sir. Truly humbled by your humility. - Bhargavi Bhat (Jan 5, 2026) * What an incredible milestone, Sathya sir! 43 years of dedication to an artform as spiritual as Bharatanatyam is not just a career! Hearty congratulations to you, sir. It's a beautiful interview… Very inspiring for everyone to get connected with the artform and understand it better. Beautifully presented, sir. We are happy to be a part of the family. - Ashwini (Jan 5, 2026) * His life is a full circle; he is the Navarasa Nayaka of Adhunika Bharata. His lifestyle reflects discipline and empathy, and his constant effort to uplift cultural values, along with his humble attitude towards others, makes his life truly complete. - Nandini (Jan 5, 2026) Post your comments Please provide your name and email id when you use the Anonymous / blog profiles to post a comment. All appropriate comments posted with name and email id in the blog will be featured in the site. |
