Bangalore’s leading cultural academy, Shantala Arts Academy presented the debut Bharata Natyam performance by Samruddhi Kasturi at the iconic Chowdiah memorial auditorium in Malleswaram, Bangalore on 1^st March 2025. Samruddhi’s performance was noteworthy for its fine control over technique, precision and a natural command over expressional dancing.

Samruddhi is the daughter and disciple of Kalayogi Guru Pulikeshi Kasturi who heads the Shantala Arts Academy and is particularly credited for having trained several aspirants in the divine dance style of Bharata natyam.

Guru Pulikeshi is a graduate in choreography from Natya Insititute of Kathak and choreography and masters holder in Bharata Natyam from Bangalore University, he has been trained in dance by veterans in the field like Guru Lalitha Srinivasan, Guru Narmada, Dr Maya Rao, Guru Prasanna Kasturi and has learnt nattuvangam from Vidwan B.R.Seshadiri, Smt Kamala Rani and brother Prasanna Kasturi. Son of Vidwan Raghunatha dn Smt K.R.Padmajre, well known literary veterans in kannada literature was initiated into the art of Bharata Natyam at a tender age.

Samruddhi hails from a family of literary personalities and lovers of classical music and dance. Samruddhi commenced her training at a tender age and over the years has developed her art to such an extent that she been a prize winner in various competitions and has also performed for several occasions. She has successfully completed her Vishrada Prathama certificate from Akhila Gandharva Mahavidyalaya and is currently a student of MES Kishore Kendra in Malleswaram. Samruddhi is also trained in classical Carnatic music and has also performed in the in the dance drama “Chadramukhi” directed by Dr Kashyap and received accolades for her fine performance.

After the invocatory numbers, Samruddhi performed varied item from the Bharata natyam repertoire that were traditional and innovative as well. It was a pleasure to watch Samruddhi dance with confidence and ease, while dealing with complex movements and intricate rhythmic patterns. With more concern towards the finer aspects of dancing, Samruddhi can definitely aspire to be among the best exponents of the country.

Principal Padmaja B of MES Kishore Kendra, who was among the distinguished guests of the evening said “When Samruddhi’s father met me and invited me for the performance I was surprised as to how she would take a risk as she is studying in the 10^th standard but her father was quite confident as she is a bright student and classical dance can never be a hindrance to the progress of the child and would not deter the academic development of the student. I am really happy to see her dancing so well”.

Chief guest Dr Lalitha Srinivasan said “I’m sad am not able to dance like the way I used to dance when I was young but it gives me immense happiness to watch Samruddhi dancing with such confidence and grace, May God Bless Her”.

Other Guests included Prod M.R.Kamala, president of Shantala Arts Academy and Kuchipudi and Kathakali exponent from Mumbai, Guru Vijay Shanker. On the whole it was a fine and sparkling performance.

By Guru Vijay Shanker