Vyjayanthi Kashi stands out as a singular combination of a thespian, dancer, and a bureaucrat. She is a scion of the family of Dr. Gubbi Veeranna, who is considered, looked upon as a legend in Karnataka theatre, and is the granddaughter of the first IAS officer of Karnataka, J. B. Mallaradhya, who also became the education minister. Her terpsichorean talents were molded by revered gurus, and nowadays she has evolved graduated herself into a venerated guru, performer, and choreographer. She is current chairperson of Karnataka Sangeet Nritya Academy.
Vyjayanthi Kashi was born in Bangalore on January 1st, 1960. Her father, J. N. Viswanath, was a fan of Vyjayanthimala Bali. He had decided that his daughter would become as famous a dancer as her. Vyjayanthi Kashi started learning Bharatanatya from Ramanna of Tumkur at the age of six. Eventually, she topped the State with a first rank and also won a golden chain. In spite of all the support she waited for a chance to get rid of her dance and took up theatre where she met Vijay Kashi, her husband. She gives complete credit to her parents – the late J.M.Vishwanth and G.V. Girijamma, for her upbringing and being there always for her as a strong critic and support.
Vyjayanthi Kashi holds degree of Bachelor of Commerce and has worked for Corporation Bank for duration of 18 years. To make use of the spare time after marriage, she explores her passion for an art- an amalgam of both dance and theatre- Kuchipudi. During those days Kuchipudi guru C.R. Acharyalu used to come to Bangalore. Kuchipudi was a dance form that Vyjayanthi Kashi had only heard about. On meeting him, Acharyalu said her: “You will be my dancing daughter.”
Vyjayanthi Kashi was fortunate to get a scholarship to learn Kuchipudi under Vedantam Prahlada Sarma. This was a turning point. Later she went on to meet every living legend – Yamini Krishnamurthy, Narasimha Rao– to learn what Kuchipudi is and trained herself in every aspect of dance and abinaya.
Her film and television credits include documentaries and interviews in the broadcasting media. She is a regular motivational speaker and workshop leader, speaking on Arts and life, dance and yoga, therapy and body language, creativity and collaborations in the arts. She serves in the Arts and Cultural Committee of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural, Government of India.
Vyjayanthi Kashi started the Shambhavi School of Dance in 1993, and believes choreography is also important and has to be taught. It is a residential school which teaches everything from yoga, music, dance (Kuchipudi), spirituality and philosophy. She has explored “Dance as healing” technique as well.
Dancejathre, India’s first ever International dance fair is her brain child.
Vyjayanthi Kashi has travelled to more than 16 countries not only for performances but also for seminars, workshops, and so on. Her choreographies have been mainly based on mythological characters but secular ones are also many. She is the first dancer from Karnataka to be honored by the Sangeet Natak Academy, Delhi.
Vyjayanthi Kashi has won lot of accolades and awards. We are listing down a few of them.
- Recipient of the Central Sangeet Natak Akademy Puraskar
- Recipient of the Karnataka Rajyothsav Award
- Zee Astitva Award by Zee Network
- State Award, Kalashree, by Sangeetha Nrithya Academy, Bangalore
- Vocational Excellence Award from Rotary International
- Aryabhata Award from Aryabhata Organisation
- Top Ranking Artist from Doordarshan
- Outstanding Artist from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations
- Research fellow of Govt. of India in Kuchipudi
- Member of the text book committee of kuchipudi (state govt.)
References:
Vyjayanthi Kashi’s personal website: click here
Shambavi School of Dance website: click here
Read Vyjayanthi Kashi Exclusive Interview with KYS.