A conversation with Sri. Gopukiran Sadasivan & Smt. Aashin Kiran of Kiran’s Academy of Natya
- Who are your Gurus and how long you have been training students under this banner?
I am a Senior Disciple of the Stalwarts Padmabhushan Sri V.P. Dhananjayan and Smt. Shantha Dhananjayan. I started my journey at the age of 3. My undying passion for this art was identified by my parents at the right time. I hail from a musical family and I was blessed to have inspirations at home. My Grandfather Late Damodhara Bhagavathar, an exemplary artist a great musician of his time was a support and guidance.
My initial tutelage started with Smt. Mythili and Smt. Girija Chandran of Regatta Cultural Academy, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. I am a gold Medalist in MA Bharathanatyam from University of Madras and also in BPA (Graduation in Performing arts). I have an experience of over 27 years in dance.
2. What is your inspiration to train students and do you follow any specific pattern of syllabus?
My inspiration for teaching is my own Gurus, the Dhananjayans and we are following the Kalakshetra style. My wife a dancer trained under Guru Sri. Sadanam also an alumnus of Kalakshetra joins me in giving the best training of whatever we missed without deviating from the tradition and quality in performances.
3. What is your teaching approach and your challenges?
I believe in the fact that learning is a continuous process and I experience it. I always realized that my performance levels improve more during my training of students. My belief as a teacher is, Bharathanatyam is not only a physical exercise but it is a coordination of mental, spiritual and physical activity. We persuade our students as strict teachers in the proper direction knowing our responsibility as teachers.
4. Do you expect your audience to interpret any messages from your performances?
I always see my choreography from the audience perception. For us the fulfillment in success is felt only when the message reach the audience. In my view it is the responsibility of any artist to take the perfect message of their performances to the audience.
5. Can you share your experiences as Gurus for young aspiring students who can venture into this field?
The 3 Ds - DEDICATION, DISCIPLINE and DETERMINATION are the basics for success, is the preaching of my Gurus. Along with this I also believe in luck and fortune of any artist to thrive in any field. When the artists’ talents are recognized in the right direction anywhere, the younger generations will shine in any performing art is an undeniable fact. Exact recognition at the right time without external influences will help to nurture the talents of the youngsters.
6. What are your other interests other than Bharathanatyam?
ACTING is my other passion. I have acted in few south Indian films and also done choreography for films a few films. I am also trained in Kuchipudi, Kathakali and an Ottam Thulal artist, a popular art form of Kerala.
7. Can you brief us on your career accomplishments and accolades?
- I am a graded artist in Doordarshan.
- Received the title YUVA KALA BHARATHI of BHATH KALACHAR Sabha in Chennai.
- Best Male dancer of South Zone Cultural Centre.
- Received the award KALAPRATHIBA of School and University of Kerala.
- Also a recipient of Junior and Senior Scholarship in Bharathanatyam
I have performed in many places in India and globally. I conduct workshops. I have performed in fundraiser shows in USA, and Canada. I have presented in NCPA, ICCR in India and also in countries like Malaysia, US, Australia and Singapore.
I present thematic performances in various cultural events. To name a few, Prayanam, Shivam, Nivedhanam and currently Ravaneeyam.
Also been in lead in productions like Ekaantha Seethe, Rama Natakam,Thyagaraja Vaibhavam, Silapathikaram, to name a few.
8. Share your views about Alchemybuzz?
Alchemy buzz is doing a great work by promoting many upcoming artists of performing arts. I have read their inspiring interviews with many artists in various fields. It is encouraging to see their great work.
Interview by
Jeshwanthi R & Bhuvana Dinesh
