Awards and Recognition for Bharatanatyam Excellence

Receiving the Kalayogi Award in 2022-23 was special, but what moved me most was being honoured on stage by my very first Guru, Usha Datar. These moments remind me that while awards are nice, the real joy is the legacy passed down from teacher to student, which is what we strive for every single day in our studio.

Awards in the arts feel less like personal trophies and more like a collective pat on the back for the entire Nrithyakuteera family. When I accepted the Kalayogi Award, it wasn't just my name on the certificate; it represented 23 years of early morning rehearsals, the rhythmic intensity of our Nattuvangam practice, and the dedication my students show every time they step onto the dance floor.

In our field, recognition serves as a marker of the standard we maintain. Whether it is preparing a student for their Rangapravesha or guiding them through advanced theory, consistency is everything. Being honoured by the Kalayogi Pratishtana and Laasya Vardhana Trust in Bengaluru felt like a confirmation that staying true to the traditional Kalakshetra style, without compromising on the discipline required, is the right path.

I am deeply grateful to Dr. S. Nanjunda Rao and all the senior gurus who continue to encourage us. These events also allow us to connect with other artists in the city, sharing stories and learning from peers. At the end of the day, I keep these awards on our studio shelf to remind my students that hard work is seen and valued, even if the real reward is simply the grace of the dance itself.