VYJAYANTHI KASHI

Vyjayanthi Kashi hails from the family tree of the Padma Shri Dr.Gubbi Veerannna (pioneer in Kannada Theatre) and J B Mallaradhya. Under the constant support and encouragement from her parents J M Vishwanath and G V Girijamma, Vyjayanthi has grown to be a fine artist

She was initiated into the field of dance at a tender age under the able tutelage of Tumkur Ramanna in Bharatanatyam for 7 years. She topped the State in the dance exams conducted by the Government. Vyjayanthi worked in theatre under legendary personalities like Nagabharana, R Nagesh and CG Krishnaswami playing lead roles in many productions.

Post her marriage with Vijaya Kashi, cine artist; she began her second innings in dance taking on to Kuchipudi and Temple Ritual Dances. Vyjayanthi learnt under legendary Gurus like C R Acharya, Vedantham Prahalada Sarma, Korada Narasimha Rao, Vedantham Satyanarayana Sharma, PVG Krishna Sarma and others. She is one of the very few dancers in India to perform and propagate Chitranatya, the art of painting images through rhythmic footwork in the Aalaya Sampradaya. She is also a Yoga Practitioner and includes various techniques in her dance.

With her extensive learning and pursuance, Vyjayanthi has proved to be a dynamic force in Kuchipudi. She is celebrated not only for her deep and composite understanding of Kuchipudi, but also as a performer, choreographer, teacher, researcher, dance-therapist, organiser and administrator.

Over her extensive career, Vyjayanthis works have been featured in several regional, national and international festivals in around 30 countries. She has also conducted lecture-demonstrations and workshops inspiring the youth with values and information about Indian Culture.

As a choreographer, Vyjayanthi has over 30 dance productions to her credit. She has added many new solo compositions to the Kuchipudi repertoire. Her choreographies include mythological, historical and social themes.

With a vision to promote artistic and professional excellence in Kuchipudi, she founded the Shambhavi School of Dance (SSD), Bangalore in 1993 which adopts the ancient Gurukul system. As a Guru, Vyjayanthi Kashi has cultivated and groomed some of the finest dancers who have been seen in the National and International arenas.

Over a period of 25 years, SSD has developed four centres in Bangalore and offers certificate courses to students in Kerala, Dharwad and Ranebennur. Free dance education is provided to under privileged students at SSD.

Vyjayanthi has been a Research Fellow of the Ministry of Culture. She has been a member of Kuchipudi Syllabus and Text Book Committee, Govt. of Karnataka. Vyjayanthi has delivered lectures and paper presentations for several National and International Symposiums.

With an intention to help specially-abled children, Vyjayanthi has choreographed Therapeutic Dance Projects using the medium of dance, yoga, spirituality. Unity is Bliss – a dance production featuring the deaf and blind children of Karnataka Blind Association, Bangalore was appreciated by Smt. Rama Devi, the then Governor of Karnataka. She has been invited by several organisations in India and abroad to present papers and workshops.

With a vision and mission to propagate Kuchipudi, Vyjayanthi has organised many seminars, workshops and festivals in several parts of India. To mention a few of SSDs signature festivals

• dancejathre – India’s one and only International dance fair
• Nayika – a National Seminar and Dance Festival on the contribution of women to Kuchipudi
• Mulam – a National Seminar and Festival on Guru Shishya Parampara involving dance, music and theatre
• Celebrate Dance Series – monthly concert series to promote young talents

Vyjayanthis abilities extend to administration and she was nominated as the Chairperson of Karnataka Sangeeta Nritya Academy. She launched a website for the Academy for the very first time. Nritya Maye, a CD documenting the parampara of the famous duo Chandrabaga Devi and Prof. US Krishna Rao was released. The DVD Magic of Kuchipudi featuring her choreographies was released. She was responsible in documenting the lives of 4 senior gurus of Karnataka. She also organised Nrityavadana, a 5 days residential dance intensive, among many other activities.

Vyjayanthi’s film and television credits include daily soaps and interviews on Doordarshan, Sony Television, Zee TV, E-Nadu, Udaya and Chandana. She is a regular motivational speaker and workshop leader speaking on Arts and life, Dance and Yoga, creativity and collaborations in the arts.

Vyjayanthi is the first non-Telugu Kuchipudi dancer to receive the prestigious Kendra Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar 2009. Her other note worthy awards are Debadhara Award 2017 , Gaurav Puraskar 2017 , Karnataka State Rajyothsava Award 2010, Zee Astitva Award 2006, Kalashree Award 2001 etc. She is also an Outstanding Artist of ICCR (Govt. of India) and a top Ranking Artist of Doordarshan .