Exploring new rendition

University of Hyderabad (UoH) sub-chapter along with Spic Macay is conducted Virasat-2017 at the University campus. The Virasat-2017 includes classical dance, classical music, cinema classics, craft workshop, dance workshop, folk dances and a heritage walk.

The grand initiative began on February 21 with Bharatnatyam recital by Kiranmayee Madupu and her team includes Chandra Rao Kanakkam, a renowned vocalist and violinist, Raghunandan Chakravarthy, passionate and skilled Mridangam artist and Srinivas Karra, Nattuvangam musician, trained at Nattuvangam, Dinakar Ramaraju, a reputed violinist.

Pro Vice Chancellor, Professor Vipin Srivastava was the chief guest and he called upon the student community to take part in cultural activities on the campus as it provides various avenues for the same. Dr Zahidul Haq, cultural co-coordinator and faculty in the Department of Urdu was the Guest of honour. For an hour and thirty minutes, a spell was cast on the auditorium by the magical and magnificent performance of Madupu’s team.

The artist along with her team performed four dance recital pieces; each piece had an intriguing storyline which Madupu beautifully depicted in her choreography. The danseuse, a disciple of veteran guru Hemamalini Arni, had the audience mesmerised with her graceful movements.

Kiranmayee has a deep understanding of the art form and is a proficient dancer. She is strong both in the Nritta and the Natya aspects of the dance form. Her skills in Abhinava need a special mention. It was not only soul stirring and elevating but she was able to reach out to the students with no background on classical dance.

The dancer for this program selected intense pieces and was able to justify every bit of it. Her varnam, a Thygaraja Kriti, ‘Sadhinchane’ was beautifully choreographed and was a treat to watch. ‘Varugalamo Aiya’ was another masterpiece, followed by ‘Jagadhodharana’ and a very exuberant and well choreographed Tillana. On the whole a treat to all our senses which transported us to another realm.

With expressive interpretation and innate grace, Kiranmayee brings a fresh yet profound dimension to her dance. She has extensively performed in India and abroad including London, Birmingham, Yorkshire, Lancashire, Colombo and Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and many more.

Kiranmayee is an IT Engineer by education and even worked in the reputed multinational company Deloitte as a consultant for two years after which she decided to take up Bharatanatyam full time. She is also a vocalist, accomplished painter and a freelance graphic designer. She works for SPICMACAY to promote Indian Classical art among underprivileged children. She has also spoken for TEDx talks.