About The Event
A Lecture Demonstration series
Varnam - Mother of Manodharma
By Nandini Ramani
Utkarsh is an interactive lecture-demonstration series designed to introduce the audience to Indian classical dance. By taking audiences on a journey through each dance form's historical origins, distinct identifiers like aharya and mudras, unique music and foundational movements, it demystifies traditional art forms, showcasing the incredible richness and vast repertoire of India's dance heritage. This month we feature, renowned Bharatanatyam artiste, Nandini Ramani.
Nandini Ramani is a senior Bharatanatyam exponent, teacher, dance critic who has trained under T. Balasarawati and K. Ganesan. She has also received training in vocal carnatic music under Prof. B. Krishnamoorthy and specialised training underT. Mukta. Ramani has performed extensively across India and abroad and also writes on various topics of performing arts and culture. She is a recipient of the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, New Delhi, Natya Padma Award from the Brahma Gana Sabha and Kartik Rajagopal Memorial Award among others and a sitting member of certain committees under the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of I & B. Ramani is the Managing Trustee of the Dr. V. Raghavan Centre for Performing Arts, a non-profit organisation initiated by her mother, Sarada Raghavan, wife of the illustrious Sanskrit Scholar and Indologist Dr. V. Raghavan for nurturing and propagating multifaceted aspects of Sanskrit language, Indian culture, performing arts and heritage.
Varnam in Bharatanatyam, is a central item of great importance. It has two components, nritta and abinaya, both complimenting each other. Varnam or Varnanam denotes description of any musical piece featuring both technical and melodic elements, serving as a comprehensive description or blueprint of a raga.
An NCPA Presentation
Entry free on a first come, first served basis.
