Mysuru: Bharatanatyam is not a leisure activity but is a serious dance form for development of mind and body, said Natyacharya Prof. K. Ramamurthy Rao, Director of Nupura Kalavidaru, Mysuru.

He was speaking at the Rangapravesha of R. Varshini organised by Nrityagiri Academy of Performing Arts and Research Centre at Jaganmohan Palace here yesterday and said today’s reality shows and other programmes are meant only for entertainment. However, Bharatanatyam is much more than entertainment which enriches both the viewer and the listener.

“The dance world is like a flower garden. Varshini has entered this flower garden today. She through her artistic skills of nritya, abhinaya, expressions and dedication has won the hearts of everyone. The role of parents and the Guru is very important for a dancer to reach this stage,” the Natyacharya said.

“Just like Varshini there are many other artistes who along with studies involve themselves in art forms and display their skills. But after their studies they get selected in campus interviews and due to work pressure lose interest in their art. This is not their mistake but the system is like that and hence they will not find time to straddle the two worlds. However, one should not forget one’s art,” he advised.

Rangapravesha is like a festival. When one displays the talent in front of the elders, gurus and the audience only then the artiste comes out triumphant. Hence, for this family this occasion is like a festival, said Prof. Ramamurthy.

Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of the Mysore royal family, vetran actor J.K. Srinivas Murthy, former Ambassador N. Parthasarathy, Nrityagiri Director Dr. Kripa Phadke and others were present.

Varshini presented a beautiful dance performance and won the hearts of the audience.

She was accompanied by Guru Dr. Kripa Phadke on nattuvanga, Vidu. Rajeshwari Pandit on vocal, Vid. H.L. Shivashankaraswamy on mridanga and Vid. A.P. Krishna Prasad on flute.