‘Kannada Ratna’ award conferred on Priyanka Upendra and Raghavendra Hunsur

Mysore/Mysuru: As part of Silver Jubilee celebrations of ‘Hejje Gejje’ National Dance Festival, city-based Sri Nimishamba Dance Promoters had organised ‘Mera Bharat Nrutyotsava’ at Open Air Theatre in Manasagangothri here on Sunday.

On the occasion, Actress Priyanka Upendra and ZEE Kannada Channel Business Head Raghavendra Hunsur were conferred with ‘Kannada Ratna’ award.

Nearly 500 artistes presented over 30 unique dance forms of various States including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, Dollu Kunita, Puja Kunita etc. Guru Vid. Sridhar Jain of ‘Apthamithra’ fame performed on a 5-ft tabla which was the highlight of the programme. The two-and-a-half-hour spectacle made all the guests, who were to attend the inaugural ceremony for half-an-hour amidst their busy schedule, to watch the show till the end.

Speaking on the occasion, former MUDA Chairman H.V. Rajeev lauded the efforts of Sri Nimishamba Dance Promoters for organising dance programmes like this which should actually be organised by a University. “If a city has to develop it must have art, culture and theatre activities. Mysore Maharajas were successful in contributing in all these fields. However, the artistes of this institution have succeeded in continuing the legacy of Maharajas,” he said.

Priyanka Upendra, who spoke after receiving the award, said that she is fond of Mysuru city compared to Bengaluru where she is presently residing. “People of Mysuru love cinemas. Dance is like a meditation which is part of life and is helpful in various stages of life,” she added.

Recalling his professional life journey where he decided to move to Bengaluru to pursue his dream, Raghavendra Hunsur said that he had dreamt of going to Bengaluru and achieve big in life. “We usually concentrate on commercial aspects while producing a programme or content in channels. Hence, it is impossible to give prominence to cultural aspects. In this institution, artistes, gurus and parents are putting equal efforts in protecting culture which is a great development in the society,” he said.

Praveen Jain, Revathi Kamath, Anil R. Jain and A.P. Srinivas were conferred with ‘Hejje-Gejje’ award at the programme.

HCG Group of Hospitals and Bharath Cancer Hospital Chairman Dr. B.S. Ajai Kumar, Film Director Sudhakar Sajja, Sri Nimishamba Dance Promoters Managing Director and Guru Vid. Sridhar Jain of ‘Apthamithra’ fame, Vidu. Sowmya Sridhar Jain, Lasya Jain, Sarang Jain and others were present.