Right from my childhood, I had always wanted to pursue Bharatanatyam professionally. It was perhaps this zeal that helped me earn a gold medal in my Master of Performing Arts-Bharatanatyam (MPA) degree from University of Hyderabad and train numerous students over the last 50 years at SRNN. The latest Sangeet Natak Akademi Award came as a crowning glory.
Striving for excellence like father
My father, Guru V S Ramamoorthy, after receiving formal training from legendary Bharatanatyam exponent and Padma Sri awardee KN Dandayudha Pani Pillai, performed his ‘Arangetram’ on August 15, 1947 — on the historic occasion of India’s Independence. It was in the year 1967 that the Master established ‘Sri Rama Nataka Niketan’ (back then called Sri Devi Nritya Niketan) in Perambur, Chennai, and later it was shifted to the twin cities. Since then, the school has trained several students to delve into the ancient art form for improvisations and creative expressions. Every milestone achieved by my dear father greatly inspired me to pursue greater deeds in life. “Art should never be stagnant; it should flow just like a river, which always nurtures new soil.” Keeping this motto of his in mind always, every day I strive for excellence and try to imbibe different ingredients to nurture this divine art form.
A sacred legacy
Without any grand ceremony or a formal announcement, the mantle of SRNN fell on me gently more like the passing of the torch. I am immersed in the world of SRNN since childhood. My love for Bharatanatyam and my dedication to its propagation have sustained me all these years.
