Guru Vedantam Venkata Naga Chalapathi Rao
While learning about Kuchipud Yakshagana, I established a connection with Guru Vedantam Venkat. Kuchipudi, being a theatrical dance form, has a large emphasis on Vachika abhinaya, and I was fortunate to learn this with Guru Vedantam Venkat.
Under his able guidance, I learned the entire Bhama Kalapam and am now exploring the traditional techniques of Kuchipudi Bhagavatas. I am uncovering a new facet of Kuchipudi that has enhanced my prowess in a distinct way.
Guru Venkat is excellent with his rhythmic skills, and Kuchipudi is known for its cross-rhythms. By exploring the traditional techniques of the older days, I believe I'm discovering a new dimension of Kuchipudi.
I'm still continuing my training and exploring the nuances of this ancient technique.
Vedantam Venkata Naga Chalapathi Rao hails from the illustrious Vedantam family of Kuchipudi which is known for its ‘Natya Parampara’ (Dance inheritance). He was initiated into dance at the tender age of five by his father Vedantam Rattayya Sarma who had carved a niche for himself in enacting formidable roles in traditional Kuchipudi Yakshaganas.
Vedantam Chalapathi wore the mantle of his ancestors with ease. He mastered the quintessential female impersonation (Stri Vesham) of Kuchipudi Natyam with an élan that won him kudos from his gurus as well as scholars. Not to be typecast into singularly female roles, Chalapathi took to other male roles with equal comfort. His portrayals of ‘Hiranyakashipa’ in Bhakta Prahalada ballet, and ‘Bali Chakravarthy’ in Ksheerasagara Madanam bear testimonial to his prowess.
Chalapathi is not just a professional dancer carrying forward his forefather’s vocation. Vedatam Venkat holds a Masters degree in dance from Potti Sriramulu Telugu University.
