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 Guru Parampara: An homage to a lineage of Gurus who inspire the creative journey within and beyond the art form - Anita Vallabh e-mail: anitavallabhofficial@gmail.com Photo credit: Sant’s Fotos February 20, 2025 Dr. Pranamya Suri considers herself fortunate to have been born into an artistic family. She received her initial training in Kuchipudi as a child under her mother, Latha Suri, and as a young adult under Sobha Naidu and Jaikishore Mosalikanti, all of whom were disciples of the renowned Guru Vempati Chinna Satyam. Her performance at the second edition of the Diaspora Dance Festival, held in Medai Chennai on December 30, 2024, organised by Aalap, exemplifies the depth and emotional brevity of a performer deeply rooted in a lineage. At a time when students learn from a teacher for a few years and move on to the next, for one reason or another, the gravitas of learning from one continuous tradition is perceived, heard, and felt not only within the performance but also in how we carry forward the essence of these teachings to our community. This review of her performance is a tribute to her work in the field of Kuchipudi and as a founder of the non-profit, Echoes of India.  Pranamya Suri Pranamya began her performance with Balamuralikrishna's famous composition Omkara karini, in Lavangi. Choreographed by Kishore Mosalikanti, the lilting jati and the following sanchari bhava of Devi vanquishing Dhumra Lochana, seamlessly flow into one another. The emotive details, such as the crushing of the weapons with the flick of her hand and step of the foot, the choice of mudras, hamsa in the right and alapadma on the left, to depict Devi as a symbolic and metaphorical representation of the primordial energy and symbol OM was energetically portrayed. Pranamya's performance masterfully employs angabhinaya, particularly the torso's movements from forward to deep backbends, and the depth of bhava that arises from years of dedicated practice. This artistry draws our attention to the intricate nuances of spiritual ascension. As a complimentary to the Devi song, she presented Narayana Teertha's "Nanda Nandana Gopala," which describes the omniscient Krishna as a child and a savior. Each episode was infused with the deeper philosophical import of attachment to materiality and sublimation. In the charana - Rasa mandala nata - as per tradition, the choreography seamlessly introduced the Tarangam which Pranamya performed with dexterity. Brilliantly choreographed and taught by Guru Sobha Naidu and directed by her mother, Pranamya performed the piece with intense involvement metaphorically re-living the eternality of the Guru-Shishya parampara in the devotee-God relationship. Overall, her performance was a heartfelt tribute to the lineage of Gurus. However, she would do well to turn her attention to what is called in Telugu "vayaaram," loosely translated as the alluring grace that is one of the hallmarks of Kuchipudi tradition. During our conversation, Pranamya Suri shared that her teachers fostered a deep appreciation for the arts within her. Through her artistic pursuits, she developed a strong desire to provide support to those who lack the resources or opportunities for enhanced healthcare and education. In 2010 she established Echoes of India to serve the health and uplift the economy of the tribal district of Nalgonda, Andhra Pradesh. Since its inception, 23 Reverse Osmosis plants and regular medical camps have been established. She offers her experience as a Spine Specialist, dancer, and social activist to serve the community with the blessings of her parents and guiding spirit of a Guru Parampara.  Anita Vallabh Ph.D, is an Affiliate faculty at the University of Hawaii, author, dancer, Yoga instructor and dance critic. She lives in Boston, USA. |
