RAMA AMRITAM” – A solo Bharatanatyam exploration of the many facets of the glorious “Lord Rama -by Sujatha Ramanathan
“Rama Amritam” is the nectar , the paradoxical character , the narrative that connects several facets some known and some less known which gives us pure bliss , ” ananda “- A celebration of “Lord Rama” through dance and music.
Concept and Choreography – Sujatha Ramanathan .
Smt. Sujatha Ramanathan: Bharatanatyam Artiste and Choreographer
Smt. Sujatha Ramanathan is a distinguished Bharatanatyam artiste and choreographer, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of traditional dance while fostering leadership development through artistic expression. Her foundation rests upon rigorous training under esteemed gurus, including Padmashri Guru Adayar K. Lakshman, Guru Lata Raman, and Guru Ramya Ramnarayan, further enriched by specialized study in “abhinaya” with Guru G. Venu and Mohiniattam with Dr. Nirmala Paniker. Her performance portfolio spans prestigious national and international platforms, showcasing her mastery of Bharatanatyam. Smt. Ramanathan’s choreographic works, such as “Raas Antara,” “Rama Amritam,” “Vidivu,” “Hanumanin Thavam,” “Dakshina Dwaraka,” and “Soorya,” demonstrate her commitment to artistic innovation, characterized by sophisticated musicality, nuanced “abhinaya,” and compelling narrative structures. These works aim to elevate the art form and engage audiences with profound artistic experiences.
Driven by a pursuit of excellence, Smt. Ramanathan continuously refines her practice and explores new artistic avenues. Her academic credentials, including a Master’s in Bharatanatyam and a Bachelor’s in Music from Annamalai University, coupled with her status as a graded artiste of Doordarshan, underscore her deep commitment to the art form. Furthermore, her background as a qualified cost accountant and former Senior Vice President at a multinational bank provides a unique perspective that bridges the worlds of art and professional leadership.
Smt. Ramanathan’s achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards, including “Nritya Kala Choodamani,” “Bharat Gaurav Samman,” “Nritya Nipun,” and “Girnar Ratna,” validating her significant contributions to the field.
Her goal-oriented approach extends to scholarly pursuits, exemplified by her research paper, “Life Skills and Leadership through Dance,” published by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. This research forms the basis for her work as a guest faculty member at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), where she leverages dance to cultivate problem-solving and leadership skills.
Smt. Sujatha Ramanathan’s mission is to advance Bharatanatyam as a dynamic and relevant art form while simultaneously utilizing its principles to develop essential leadership competencies. For a comprehensive view of her artistic and professional endeavors.
Virāsat –The Journey of Kathak: From Katha to Contemporary By Dr. Parinita Shah & Vaidehi Parashurami
Kathak, derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Katha’ (storytelling), began as a raw and expressive art form—a medium for narrating tales through movement and rhythm. From its origins in temples, rooted in mythology, it was performed as a sacred narrative, bringing epics to life, to its transformation in the Mughal courts, where intricate footwork, taal and tarana took precedence, Kathak evolved with time, adapting to the cultures it encountered.
Today, Kathak stands as a powerful medium capable of telling any story—ancient or modern. In this performance, we trace this remarkable journey—how it all began, how it flourished in different eras, and how it has been passed down through generations of Gurus.
We present the Kathak we have inherited, processed, and made our own—a dance form that continues to evolve while staying rooted, bridging tradition with innovation, the past with the present, and mythology with modern history.
Dr. Parinita Shah and Vaidehi Parashurami are Kathak artistes who have been associated together for more than 20 years. They are disciples of Asha Joglekar and hold Nritya Alankar from Akhil Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. They have also received guidance and training from Kathak maestro Birju Maharaj. Both Shah and Parashurami have been performing together at prestigious dance festivals.
Shah is a teacher-choreographer, neuro-physiotherapist and the founder & creative director at Inner Edge Converge, an NGO for promoting the Performing Arts, especially Indian Classical Dance and Music. She is also well versed with other dance styles such as Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Latin Ballroom and Folk. She has won the Best Actress award at the 48 hour film festival and at the Mumbai Shorts International Film Fest.
Parashurami is a Kathak artiste performing for over 25 years. Having completed B.A. with English Literature & L.L.B from Mumbai University, she has been acting in Marathi and Hindi films for the last 15 years. Parashurami has received prestigious awards including the Pt. Paluskar award, and Nritya Nipun award by Nalanda Dance Research Centre.
Box Office: 9th April for Members and 12th April for Public.