70th Year of NRITHYODAYA & the 60th Year of Dr. PADMA SUBRAHMANYAM’s
continuous stage presence in her journey of dance

Gandhi Mahaan Kathai

This DVD unfurls Live dance of Kotthamangalam Subbu’s ‘Gandhi Mahaan Kathai’ performed by Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam along with Shri. Vineeth, 45 other artistes and live music at Narada Gana Sabha on 2nd Oct 2012. ‘Gandhi Mahaan Kathai’ is presented in six parts. To suit the colloquial Tamil used by the author, originally written for Villuppattu, Dr. Padma has composed music and choreographed in folk style. It is in narrative form and does not present characters on stage.

Nrithyodaya

Nrithyodaya was founded by film Director K. Subrahmanyam in the year 1942 to impart free training in Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Kathak, Manipuri and folk dances. Eminent Gurus were engaged and patronized by the founder. Subrahmanyam was a staunch Gandhian and a freedom fighter with strong footing in Indian Heritage coupled with world view of culture due to his association with UNESCO. He was the first Indian film Director to be honoured by Moscow Film Studio (USSR) as well as the Hollywood Film Directors Guild (USA) in early 1950s. From 1971 to 2007 the institution was spearheaded by his eldest son, V. Balakrishnan. Presently Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam is the President.

Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam

Dr. Padma Subrahmayam is a multi-faceted artiste scholar who has inherited values from her parents K. Subrahmanyam and Meenakshi. She has developed a dance style based on Natya Sastra and has been imparting this Bharata Nrityam from her 14th year at Nrithyodaya. She has been recognised as a bridge between theory practise and history. She has been and still an active performer and has received more than 90 awards including Padmasri, Padma Bhushan and Akadami Ratna from the President of India, Kalaimamani from Govt.of Tamil Nadu and Kalidas Samman from Govt. of Madhya Pradesh. She is the only dancer in India who has recieved the Fukuoka Asian Cultaral Award from Japan for her contribution towards harmony and devolopment in Asia. She is the Managing Trustee of Bharata Ilango Foundation for Asian Culture which is a Pan – Asian research centre on performing arts.