Vempati Chinna Satyam was successful in popularising the Kuchipudi dance form all over the world.
Noted Kuchipudi dancer Vempati Chinna Satyam died in Chennai on Sunday, of old age. He was 83.
Born on 25 October 1929 in Kuchipudi, Andhra Pradesh, Vempati Chinna Satyam was successful in popularising the Kuchipudi dance form all over the world. He systemized Kuchipudi by giving it a classical basis.
Apart from refining the art form, he brought it closer to the standards of Natya Shastra, and introduced new elements.
Vempati Chinna Satyam learnt Kuchipudi from Vedantam Lakshmi Narayana Sastry. He then refined his art by learning from Tadepally Perrayya Sastry, and, later, was trained by his elder brother Vempati Pedda Satyam, in expressions.
He started the Kuchipudi Art Academy at Madras in 1963. The Academy has over 180 solo items and 15 dance dramas composed and choreographed by Vempati Chinna Satyam. These solo items and dramas have been staged all over India and abroad.
Vempati composed his first dance drama, Sri Krishna Parijatham, in the same period, followed by another hit, Ksheera Sagara Madanam, in which he played the lead role. His portrayal of Lord Shiva and his choreography was well-received.
He was conferred with several titles and awards, including Sangeet Peeth of Bombay, Asthana Natyacharya of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, TTK Memorial Award by Madras Music Academy, Natya Kalasaagara of Waltair, Raja-Lakshmi Award of Madras, Kalaprapoorna from Andhra University, Natya Kala Bhushana of Guntur, Bharatha Kalaprapoorna of Hyderabad, D Litt from Sri Venkateswara University, Asthana Natyacharya of Pittsburgh, and National Award from Central Sangeet Naatak Akademi (New Delhi).
Vempati was also awarded by governments of many states in India, and some of these awards were - Kalidas Puraskar by the government of Madhya Pradesh, and Kalaimamani by the government of Tamil Nadu. He was honored with a doctorate degree by Andhra University as well. (INN)