Mysore/Mysuru: Kalātapah Academy of Performing Arts, an institution dedicated to preserving and promoting India’s rich classical art traditions, was inaugurated on Nov. 14 at the Mantramaharshi Auditorium of JSS Institution at Saraswathipuram in city.

The event was attended by Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardees Vid. R.K. Padmanabha and Dr. Vasundhara Doraswamy, Founder – Director of Vasundhara Performing Arts Centre, Mysuru, Karnataka Kalashree Sharmila Mukherjee and Dr. Kripa Phadke, Director of Nrityagiri Academy of Performing Arts and Research Centre, Mysuru.

Grandson of Rajya Sangeetha Vidwan S. Mahadevappa and son of internationally acclaimed violin maestro Mysore Nagaraj, Mysore Karthik, together with wife, Anushree Padmanabha, have taken a significant step in their artistic journey that unites music and dance.

Inaugurating the Academy, veteran vocalist and composer Vidwan R. K. Padmanabha fondly recalled the contributions of the late Vidwan S. Mahadevappa to Karnatak music. He blessed Karthik and Anushree, expressing his hope that their artistic journey continues unhindered and that the Academy becomes a nurturing space where students and artistes shine.

Dr. Vasundhara Doraswamy, renowned Bharatanatyam exponent, spoke about the rich                      artistic legacy of the family that she has personally witnessed over the decades.

Founder of the Sanjali Centre for Odissi Dance and Anushree’s guru, Karnataka Kalashree Sharmila Mukherjee, praised her disciple’s sincerity, talent and intellectual depth.

Noted dance exponent Dr. Kripa Phadke also shared her warm wishes, recalling her long association with the artistes and expressing her joy at the Academy’s launch.

The students of the Academy presented violin recital and odissi dance performances, adding grace and vibrance to the inaugural event.

In her introductory remarks, Anushree shared the vision and purpose behind starting Kalātapaḥ Academy.  Mysore Karthik proposed the vote of thanks. G.N. Manjunath compered the programme.