The last time Satyajit Dhananjayan interviewed his parents was years ago for an event organised by Carnatic music icon TM Krishna. So it was no surprise that the maverick automobile photographer took no time in preparing a set of questions again for the Padma Bhushan-awardee couple, Shanta (75) and Vannadil Pudiyaveettil (80). For those who are not familiar with the dancers and their career, here’s a quick lowdown — the Dhananjayans were child prodigies who were groomed in the Kalakshetra school of dance by founder Rukmini Devi during the 1950s. Around a decade later, the two left Kalakshetra to forge careers of their own, and start their own dance school, Bharata Kalanjali. Since going solo, the two have gained widespread acclaim for their talent both in Chennai and around the world. Today the couple, along with Satyajit and their eldest son Sanjay, who is based in the US, continue to carry forward their legacy by training aspiring dancers. Excerpts:
Satyajit Dhananjayan: What are your observations about how natya training has evolved since your time in Kalakshetra?
VP Dhananjayan: A lot of imperative changes have taken place. When we came out of Kalakshetra, we were fully equipped to take the art to a new generation. So, as a result, we came up with a lot of new ideas and teaching methods, through Bharata Kalanjali. As for the repertoire, apart from the usual
pauranic, religious or epic approaches, we have branched into common, social, cultural and religious themes as well.
Given that students of today have less time and are involved in many activities, how can an institution adapt and make its transmission of the art equally effective?
Shanta Dhananjayan: I think, for us, it all happened naturally. We did realise that we can’t continue in the same way we did in Kalakshetra, so we didn’t find it difficult in the beginning, because we were also evolving. So, as and when we were progressing, we learnt how to adapt to the situation. Earlier, it was easy for us, since we had children coming to us and spending more time. The case is different now. Over the last 50 years, we have realised that children are being distracted with other activities. So this means we need to give them a way to evolve and understand. And some of them who would like to do it full time, will ultimately find time enough to practice. And, those who just want to know the art form will float away.
What is your opinion on competition in art and the way it is being done today?
VPD: I am against competitions, which have become rampant and are more of a commercial venture for many organisations to make money. But looking at the other side of it, many children in today’s world want to excel in competitions. Which, in our days, was not there. Rukmini Devi, especially, detested competitive spirit. She did not even allow people to take part in government scholarship competitions. There were many who got scholarships from the government, I am one of them. But that time, the competition was held in a very healthy manner. The mark-oriented system has infiltrated into the art space as well. It is not a sport but people are trying to make it sport-like and trying to push children to the limit.
Today, the challenge of aspirationalism is there. This includes a good way of living, plus awards and such. How does a guru protect the shishya from a system like this?
VPD: The teacher can only take the horses to the water. The drinking has to be done by them. We can only guide students. The rest is upto them. There are two kinds of students — one, who are absolutely dedicated to their art, and the others who are simply aspirational. The latter are more prone to being burnt out in the end. But, the fact remains that the slow and steady win the race. Take us, for example. When we were in our 20s and 30s, we never had the kind of immediate success seen today. Our fame and publicity came very slowly. As we grew up, people started following us. Therefore, only those with the correct method and attitude will make it big in the end. As I always say, people should always project the art, not themselves. One should always remain a shadow of the art. Divinity and spirituality come through the practice of the art.
So, more than saying art is divine, the artiste makes the art divine. Right?
VPD: I absolutely agree. Congratulations, since it’s coming from you! (laughs). For that, the artiste needs to have total devotion and dedication throughout his/her career.