KVS Award to Bhagavatha Kala artiste

10, 000 cash prize and a silver crown to be presented

The KVS Trust of Eluru has announced its annual KVS Award to Eminent Bhagavatha Mela Artiste Bharatham R Mahalingam of Melattur (Tamilnadu) for his outstanding contribution to the Bhagavatha Mela art form.

Announcing the award, KV Satyanarayana, Trust founder and eminent Kuchipudi dancer and Tollywood Dance Director said that the trust has started with a view to encourage the dance art forms and folk dances.

“The award function will be held on Saturday at Ambica Flowers hall near new bus complex in Eluru,” he added. Under this award the winner will get Rs 10,000 cash prize, a citation and a silver crown.

Speaking about the Bharatham Mahalingam, he mentioned his contributions to promote Kuchipudi and Indian art forms across the world for over 27 years. Mahalingam has tourned US to impart training to Telugu people at Austin, Texas.

He also played the “Amukta Malyada” dance playlet written by late Dr Rallabandi Kavitha Prasad. He also imparted training under the auspicious of Telugu Association of Greater Milwaukee in Kuchipudi dance form.

The Dance Director stated that he was greatly inspired by Mahalingam’s Bhagatha Kala. “The people in Melattur and Tamilnadu are encouraging the old art forms like Bhagatha Kala, Bharata Natyam and Kuchipudi.

Bharatham R Mahalingam is the torch bearer of the tradition. Hailing from a well known family in Melattur, Mali has taken up as a vow to continue the tradition of Bhagavata Mela for future generations.

He has been a part of Bhagavata Mela since 1960s and has donned the lead feminine roles from 1964 to 1989. Since then he has been donning hero roles in the dramas,” said Satyanarayana.

Bharatham Mahalingam is currently the Director of MBNVS and has played a pivotal role in the achievements of the Sangam. Without doubt, he is the soul of the Sangam.