- Nila
Srekala
Bharath, a beautiful and busy classical dancer started dancing at the
age of seven. After her arangetram at 10 under the tutelage of her guru
K.J.Sarasa, she practiced intensely to acquire proficiency in vibrant
Vazhuvoor style of Bharatanatyam.
Since 1979 she has been performing and conducting dance workshops in
India & Abroad. Some of her notable solo and ballet thematic presentations
are Kodhai Potriya Kannan, Swati Smriti, Annamayya Bhakti Manjari and
Tyagaraja Vaibhavam.
Srekala has received numerous awards and titles such as "Nadanamamani"
from Karthik Fine Arts, "Shiva Sakthi Natya Chintamani from the Omkar
Ashram of Pondicherry 'Bharatha Ratnam' from the Ministry of Cultural
Affairs, Colombo, "Kalaimamani" by the Government of Tamil Nadu and
the list extends. Srekala strongly believes that her guru's guidance
and her deep dedication are behind her success.
Srekala is now the secretary of ABHAI - Association of Bharatanatyam
artistes of India.
A casual chat with this versatile dancer:
How did you get into dance at the age
of 7?Had you recognized your interest then?
No, it was solely due to my parents. It was their initiative.They inculcated
the interest.Once I started, I enjoyed it so much.
Who was your inspiration?
Alarmel Valli.
Had you planned to be a
full time professional dancer?
Not really. I was doing my B.A economics, when I got married to Bharat.
After my son was born, I also finished my diploma in Travel and Tourism
and wanted to work. My mother-in-law is an artiste (vocalist) and because
of her encouragement I continued with dance.
Normally Indian women slowdown
after the marriage. How did you manage to come this far?
As I told you, my break came after my marriage. I should thank my husband
and in-laws for their constant encouragement and support.
Does
Srekala have an exclusive style?
I strongly believe that the fundamental element of Bharatanatyam should
not be altered at any cost. in Of course,in certain adavus Srekala's
style is prevalent in hand gestures & facial expressions, strictly adhering
to tradition.
What is your favourite character
and theme of all your programs?
Of course, I enjoy every bit of my program. If you want me to be very
specific, I like doing Andal character in Kodai Potriya Kannan.
Tell us about your dance
school.
Thejas is the name of our home and I gave the same name to my dance
school. I have around 30 students and every one is a 'laddoo' to me.
They are all so sweet.I have done salangai pooja to a French student
& an arangetram of a 7yr old highly talented student.
Being such a graceful artiste,
you must have been flooded with offers from cine industires. Aren't
you interested?
I got at least 6 offers from major film producing companies including
Kavithalaya.But, it is not my cup of tea.
Srekala concludes with her 'broad
and honest smile' - the smile that makes her 20 years younger!
