Guru Uma Rama Rao Well Remembered

In the memory of Kuchipudi Guru Uma Rama Rao, a tribute meeting was organised by her family. The intimate gathering was attended by her students, family members, musicians, who belonged to her team and admirers. They spoke of their memories of the teacher, choreographer, research scholar, a legend of her time, and a guiding force to her students.

While young students presented a dance programme, Seetamahalakshmi and Venu Madhav, who were a part of her entourage also, contributed their bit by singing at the event. Student of Uma Rama Rao and a Guru to reckon with Alekhya Punjala presented the item ‘Maheswari’, which she says has special significance for her.

“It is the item that she had choreographed especially for me for my Arangetram in 1975. Later, I presented it a number of times, and each time it was received with much appreciation. It gave me name and fame and the piece became an identity of sorts for both of us.

For a long time I felt a sense of ownership on ‘Maheswari’ as she did not teach it to anyone else. I felt happy to have presented it as a tribute to my Guru,” she shared. Uma Rama Rao’s sister Rajyalakshmi Seth, dancer Vanaja Uday too spoke on occasion.

A great Guru of many young and senior Kuchipudi dancers, innovator par excellence and choreographer ahead of her times, Uma Rama Rao chose to remain humble through her life and it was her work that spoke for her. It is only by propagating her creations for generations to come can one pay true tribute to this extraordinary personality.