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 Kathak Guru Chitra Venugopal (1936 - 2025) - Ashish Khokar e-mail: khokar1960@gmail.com January 4, 2025 (From the authorised biography of Maya Rao by Ashish Khokar, published by Ekah Bios in 2004. All rare photos from Maya Rao and Mohan Khokar Dance Collection)  Chitra Venugopal Her middle name ought to have been SMILE. That was her best abhushan (jewelry) too. She was a picture - Chitra - of poise and graciousness. Actually, all the three sisters were: Maya Rao, the lighthouse of Kathak in Bangalore; Uma Subbarao, affable and amiable artist and art lover; and Chitra Venugopal, illustrious teacher of Kathak to hundreds.  Uma & Chitra perform Kathak Born in 1936 to Hattangadi Sanjeev Rao (1892-1946) and Subhadrabai (1900-1959) or Lalithamma as she was called after marriage, Chitra Venugopal learnt from many gurus like Sohanlal (Ram Gopal studio); Shambhu Maharaj in Delhi's Bharatiya Kala Kendra and later from his nephew, Birju Maharaj. She later became staff of artiste of Natya Saraswati in Bangalore. She lived abroad for many years with her film-maker husband and upon return taught at Bangalore's Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. Did she get her due? Not nationally. But the love, respect and affection she got from all is noteworthy. Prashant Sastry, Bharatanatyam dancer, TV and film artiste too, recalls, "I learnt Kathak from her for some time, always warm and motherlike lady with a soft smile. Behind Maya didi, she always stood quiet and humble. I fondly remember the good old days at Natya Institute and all the fun times with friends, golden growing times with little responsibility."  Pune' s star Kathakaar choreographer guru Shama Bhate shared, "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Guru Chitra Venugopal, a true luminary in the world of Kathak. Chitra ji's artistic journey was one of unparalleled dedication and excellence. As one of the first South Indians to receive the Government of India Scholarship for Kathak, she mastered her craft at Bharatiya Kala Kendra (now Kathak Kendra) and performed lead roles in its productions. Her contributions as a lecturer at NIKC and her nurturing mentorship shaped the lives of countless students, ensuring the continuation of Kathak's rich heritage. Her passion, artistry, and teaching have left an indelible legacy in the world of Indian classical dance. Our heartfelt condolences to her family, students, and the dance fraternity. May her soul rest in peace." She touched many lives and that's what a REAL teacher does. I loved History as a subject because my teacher in Delhi's Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan was so good and made me love history and I failed in Maths every year because (no, I'm not blaming the teacher) I was slow with digits (leap year born often grow up slowly with numbers). Madhu Nataraj was my junior and Maya didi and Nataraj "uncle" were family friends. When we shifted to Bangalore in 1998, the first home we went to and treated as our own was Maya didi in Gandhi Nagar opposite ITDC hotel. So, Chitra ji I've seen in Bharatiya Kala Kendra from childhood.  Maya Rao, Guru Shambhu Maharaj, Chitra Venugopal at Delhi's SBKK Kuchipudi dancer-choreographer Deepa Sashindran says, "I was fortunate to briefly learn Kathak under Chitra didi and Maya didi at NIKC and performed Kuchipudi solo for a festival curated by Maya didi. Their contributions towards cultural landscape of Bangalore is unparalleled."  NADAM's Murali Mohan and Nandini Mehta with Guru Chitra Venugopal at her last public show on 26 Nov 2024 Her last public appearance was just 5 weeks ago at the start of the mega 15 day festival by Bangalore's best Kathak group NADAM. Murali Mohan and Nandini Mehta thought it fit to present eight veteran gurus. She came in a wheelchair and sat and showed vintage Kathak as she had learned and passed it on. In a loving tribute, Murali Mohan Kalvakalva shares, "Chitra didi was more than just a Kathak dancer; she embodied grace, passion, and dedication. To us, she was a beacon of light - a beautiful soul who inspired not only through her art but also through her unwavering commitment as a teacher and her incredible kindness as a human being, ever smiling and cheerful demeanour. When I first stepped into her class at NIKC in Bangalore, I was immediately struck by her nurturing approach. Under her guidance, I was not just learning to dance; I was learning about life, discipline, and the beauty of expression. I feel endlessly fortunate to have learnt from her, soaking in the wisdom she so generously shared."  Guru Chitra Venugopal Her husband preceded her in death and her daughter Devi looked after them till the end. Chitra Venugopal continues to smile at all from the heavens above. Such genial souls only go there... Om Shanti!  Critic, connoisseur, historian, author, artivist, archivist, administrator and more - editor, columnist and mentor Ashish Khokar remains true to his muse. More on attendance-india.com Responses * Chitra didi may have left this world, but her spirit endures. The mantra 'Ta Thei Thei Tat,' a gift to Shruthi and me, continues to resonate in our practice and teaching. When my own path faltered, Didi offered the Aditya Hridaya Stotram, guiding me back to my purpose. Just days before her passing, her radiant and resilient spirit shone, reminding us that true beauty transcends. Chitra didi's legacy lives on in every step and rhythmic beat that we dance today. Thank you, Didi, for the light you shared. - Anjana Gupta (Jan 6, 2025) * Thank you for sharing this, Ashish Sir! Chitra Didi was a class apart in every facet of life...As a Guru, as an artiste, as a mom, as a sister, as a wife, as an aunt, as a devotee... The list is endless. Her daughter Deviyani Akka was her pillar of strength until the end. Every single Kathak dancer in the south owes a great deal to her. She is my AdiGuru. Forever indebted to her! - Sumana S (Jan 5, 2025) Post your comments Please provide your name and email id along with your comment. All appropriate comments posted with name and email id in the blog will also be featured in the site. |
