Bhakti Patha
An experience of Navavidha Bhakti (nine kinds of devotion) through music and
dance
Guru Prasanna Kasthuri – Artistic Director of Soorya Performing Arts, St. Louis,
MO presents Bhakti
Patha with his wife Vidushi Seema
Kasthuri on Vocal accompanied by Guru Pulikeshi Kasthuri (India) on Nattuvangam;
Vidwan Hemanth Kumar Bangalore (India) on Violin; Vidwan Ramesh
Ramalingappa (India) on Mrudangam and Vidwan Jayaprakash Kakkopurath (India) on
Flute.
Bhakti Patha – Way of Devotion - is a
means to reach the God which gives an everlasting happiness and peace, provides
an understanding of relationship of human and the nature. Bhakti Patha is music
& dance program, which highlights the nine principal forms of Bhakti as
mentioned in the Srimad-Bhagavata and the Vishnu Purana.
The performance begins with HariKatha (Story telling) in English with many
Indian language songs rendered by Guru Prasanna Kasthuri depicts Sravana
hearing of God's Lilas and stories),
which is followed by the music concert of devotional songs by Smt. Seema
Kasthuri, which represents the other devotion forms such as Kirtana (singing of
God’s glories); Smarana (remembrance of His name and presence). This will be
followed by a dance performance which presents the remaining forms of Bhakti
such as Padasevana (service of Lord’s feet -
through story of Guha); Archana
(worship of God through the story of Prahlada);
Vandana (prostration to Lord through the story of Kanakadasa and
Nandanar); Dasya (cultivating the
Bhava of a servant with God through the story of Hanuman);
Sakhya (cultivation
of the friend-emotions through the story of Arjuna) and
Atma
nivedana (complete surrender of the self – a union of Jeevathma and Paramathma
as practiced by several acharyas ).
The other Bhakti Bhavas such as vātsalya, the attitude of a mother
towards her child; and madhura, the attitude of a woman towards her lover
will also be portrayed in this performance highlighting the beauty of Bhakti.
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Guru Prasanna Kasthuri
When Raghusutha, Prasanna’s father put his son under a dance teacher for
dance learning in 1975, he was remembering his visit to Calcutta in
1950’s, which was in search of learning dance from the legendary dancer
Uday Shankar (brother of Bharatha Rathna Pandit Ravi Shankar).
Raghusutha achieved his dream to dance, through his children. Prasanna,
eldest of the three, is an established performer and a teacher of two
classical dance forms – Bharathanatyam and Kathak and he has promoted
the Indian art form in and out of India very successfully.
 Prasanna
established Soorya Performing Arts in 2002 in St. Louis, MO to promote
Indian classical dance, music and theater to a greater Midwest audience
of United States of America.
He headed many great projects co-sponsored by the prestigious
Regional Arts Council of St. Louis and Missouri Arts Council.
He created some unique productions such as – “Gokula Nirgamana” –
a first Indian Opera ever performed outside India. In this production,
dancers sang and danced simultaneously, which is a rare achievement in
the field of Bharathanatyam. He collaborated with Pandit Vishwamohan
Bhat to compose his innovative – “Rainbow-II” – a dance production based
on famous English and American Poems.
He was invited to International Tap festivals held in Oklahoma
and St. Louis and performed in Asian Festivals in Columbus, Ohio.
Prasanna was invited to present “Anubhava Mantapa” – a production
based on Sharana literature in North American Veerashaiva Sammelana and
in North American Indian Classical Dance Festival which was held in
University of Texas in San Antonio by Arathi School. His recent trend of
Geya Nrithya attracted many patrons in Natya festival in Baltimore, MD.
He also adopted Kuvempu’s Beral Ge Koral into dance format, which was
performed in more than 25 cities across USA. He taught Indian Classical
dances to many professional American dancers in Webster University and
in Stephens College.
Apart from a devoted performer, Prasanna Kasthuri is also interested in
organizing many events. Under his leadership, St. Louis witnessed the
very first Indian Drama Festival – “Nataka 2007” and the very first
Indian Classical Dance Festival - “St. Louis Indian Dance Festival” in
2008 & 2010. His past achievements such as 24-hour non-stop performance
(1986), a rank in Vidwat (1985), and a Masters Degree in Information
technology always shine high in his resume. Apart from these he has
trained hundreds of students in India, Europe and in USA. More than 15
students performed arangetrams under his tutelage.
Prasanna owes his learning to the blessings of his Gurus Smt. Maya Rao
(Kathak), Smt. Lalitha Srinivasan, Smt.
Narmada (Bharathanatyam).
Along with these teachers, he also took many workshops with noted
personalities such as Birju Maharaj, Mahalingam Pillai, Adyar
Lakshmanan, Chitra Visweswaran, Pandanallur Gopalakrishna and others.
Prasanna is also a good singer and a music composer. His recent
passion is playing Mrudangam, which he adores and respects.
Prasanna's major dance productions include –
 "Kadu
Kuniyithu" (1987) -Dance production for children on the story of animals
"Kavya Kinkini" (1989) - A Bharathanatyam repertoire based on poetry
from Kannada epics
"Subhadra Parinaya" (1991) - A Sanskrit dance drama from Mahabharatha
"Shrungara Naayakaru" (1994) - A Portrayal of Romantic heroes
corresponding to the Nayikas of Indian dance.
"Rasa Gati" (1996) - Adoption of Rasa theory and Carnatic tala
structures
"Jnana" (1998) - Mini dance drama based on moral stories
"Avataara" (1999) - Metaphysical interpretation of incarnations
"Cherishnu" (2000) - A dance spectacle of Bengali literature
"Silambu"(2002) - Dance drama based on 2nd century Tamil epic
Silappadikaram
"Anubhava Mantapa"(2002) - Dance reflection of 12th century Sharana
literature
"Maarga" (2002) - A Bharathanatyam dance repertoire
"Thoughts"(2002) - A thought provoking dance presentation based
different works of philosophers of India
Rainbow - I (2004) - English poems into Indian Solo dancing
Katha Kahe Kathaka (2004) - Presentation of Kathak dances
Rhythms in Motion (2005) – Rhythms across the life
Shaam - e - Kathak (2006) – Dances on Ghazals - love-lorn songs
Rainbow - II (2006) – English poems into Indian Dancing with a Grammy
award winning musician
Works of Amir Khusro and Sri Aurobindo (2006)
Call of Flute (2007) – USA’s first Indian opera through classical music
and dance of India
Nal Damayanti (2007) – Story of Nal and Damayanti
Dokka Seethamma & Heerkani (2008) – Two stories of Great Indian women
Tiger & Merchant (2009) – A children short dance drama
Bahulya (2009) - Multiligual, Multi Culture Bharathanatyam Performance
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Pulikeshi Kasthuri
As A dancer
Pulikeshi had his initial training under Smt.Lalitha Srinivsan, later
from Smt Narmada and rigorous training in all aspects of dance from his
brother Prasanna Kasthuri. A recipient of the govt. of India
scholarship, he has also been trained under Smt Ranjani Ganesan, an
alumni of Kalakshetra. He holds a Masters degree in dance from the
Bangalore University. He has undergone training in martial arts of
Manipur from Sri Sonar Chand and Sri Khilton Nongmaiten, Kalaripayattu
from Sri Anil Kumar, Kerala, Abhinaya from T K Mahalingam Pillai and
Kathak from Smt.Maya Rao.
As a Nattuvangist
Gifted with a magical voice, Pulikeshi with his stronghold on Laya
(Rhythm) and his perfect pronunciation has been acclaimed as the best
Nattuvangist of Bangalore and has been invited by all popular dancers of
South India to accompany them on dance performances. Pulikeshi has
undergone training in nattuvangam from his brother Prasanna Kasthuri and
later learnt the intricacies from B R Sheshadri (Kanna), a well known
mrudangist. Some of the artists with whom he has worked are Vani
Ganapathy, Pratibha Prahlad, Shridhars, Vyjayanthi Kashi, Indira
Kadambi, Ranjani Ganesan, Vivek Kinra (New Zealand), Malani
KrishnaMurthy (California, USA), Lakshmi GopalaSwamy, Poornima Ashok and
many more. His workshops in nattuvangam have been popular and the number
of students attending his workshop is growing every season. He has
conducted 5 workshops in Bangalore, San Antonio and St.Louis. Pulikeshi
has conducted nattuvangam to arangetrams in Nashik & Bangalore, which is
a unique and honourable invitation from teachers to conduct nattuvangam
for their disciples.
As a Choreographer
Pulikeshi holds a choreography degree from the Natya Institute of Kathak
and choreography, Bangalore University under the tutelage of Guru Maya
Rao. He has choreographed ballets like Bakasura Vadha, Kirataarjuniya,
Raghava Vyayoga, Matadaana, and Usha Parinaya and has assisted his
brother in choreographic works like Subhadra Parinaya, Maheswari
Vamshothpathi, Bali Moksha and Ashta Nayakaru.
International tours
As a member of "Tribhang" he visited England, France and Switzerland.
Along with Maya Rao he visited the Middle East. As a Nattuvangist he has
traveled Djibouti, Ethiopia, Russia, Europe and USA.
Dance festivals
He has participated in dance festivals like the Soorya dance festival,
Soorya festival, Nitya Nruthya, National Jamboree 93, Natyotsava-96,
EFCEP 98, Swarna Bharathi 98, Kanagal Festival, Golden Celebrations of
Keshava Nruthya Shala Bangalore, Mysore Dasara celebrations, Sangeeth
Nataka Academy festival in Bangalore 2002, Eka Aneka, etc.
As a dance teacher
Pulikeshi teaches dance at Kenshri International School and at Shanthala
Arts academy, Bangalore. He also conducts classes in nattuvangam to
deserving students.
Awards and Felicitations
Pulikeshi has been awarded by Aryabhata award as the best Nattuvanar of
decade.
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A melodious Carnatic Vocalist
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Seema Kasthuri
Seema Kasthuri is an accomplished singer with a charming voice. She has
undergone Carnatic Music training for over 10 years under Vidwan K.R
Venkatesh. She has completed her Senior level board exams in Karnataka.
Seema has accompanied Guru. Venkatesh in several concerts held in many
places of state of Karnataka. Seema has taken active participation in
most of the music productions from Sharada Vidyalaya under guru
Venkatesh that was produced for All India Radio. She has also given
concerts in Devotional Music and light music. Later, she is pursued her
education studentship with Chintalapalli Krishnamurthy.
Seema is an active dancer by herself; she performs with the productions
of Soorya Dance Company. Seema has provided vocal support to classical
dance drama productions. She composed music for "OM Ganesha" - a
classical dance drama on lord Ganeshji's story. Seema's album "Sri
Lola" - a collection of Daasa literature songs is released in India in
November 2002.
At present, Seema is taking advanced training in Carnatic music from
Nagamani Srinath and Hindustani Music from Ustad Imrat Khan.
Seema performs frequently. Her performances in Hindu Temple of St.
Louis, Indian Association of Greater Springfield in 2005; in ANANYA -
Bangalore in 2006 gave her high accolades.
Seema accompanied many of arangetram functions of Soorya Performing Arts
in 2006, 2007. Her recent role as RADHA in - "CALL OF THE FLUTE" - the
first ever dance musical of USA got the attention of classical music and
classical dance lovers evenly.
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Ramesh Ramalingappa -
(Mrudangist)
Ramesh Ramalingappa,
with more than 3500 performances,
is a master Mrudangist. He is the
student of legendary percussion master Vasudeva Rao. Ramesh is versatile
percussionist who can play more than 5 instruments.
He holds a rank in Vidwath Exams and has awarded prestigeous Ananya Yuva
Puraskar. He has accompanied major
classical musicians and dancers since 1980's.
He was a major figure in Indian Dance music festivals such as Hampi Dance
Festival, Mysore International Music Festival, The Royal Kadamba festival of
dance and music and others. He is
an “A” graded artist from All India Radio - the National Radio station of India.
He has accompanied famous musicians such as
TV Gopalakrsihna, MS Gopalakrishna, NaivKalaskeli Santhana Gopalana, TV
Shankaranarayana, RK Surya Narayana and others.
With his team Nandi Talavadya academy, he has toured European countries
such as Holland, Germany and other countries.
Ramesh is a highly sought after mrudangam player in classical music dance
and recording industry of Bangalore, India.
Jayaprakash Kakkopurath
(Flutist)
Jayaprakash Kannur is an
experienced bamboo flutist from Kerala, India. He started his career early 70's
with great Kalamandalam group of Kerala.
With an invaluable training under Guru CR Panikkar achar, he began his
career accompanying dancers in professional productions.
He has worked with dancers such as Vasundhara Doraiswamy, Kalamandala
Leelamma, Kalamandal Latha, Srijith Krishna. He has produced major CDs such as
Hare rama, Shivoham, Muthappa Charitham.
He has participated in many festivals such as Gururvayur Chembai
Sangethotsavam, Lasya Festival, Calicut; World Performing Arts Festival, New
Delhi; Bhopal Arts Academy, Madhya
Paradesh; Kalakendra, Hyderabad. He has performed in key venues such as Narada
Ganasabha, Brahma Gana sabha in Chennai and Bangalore which are called the
cultural capitals of India. He was awarded Krishna Geetika Award from Chilamboli
academy of arts in Tiruvangada, Kerala.
HEMANTH KUMAR Bangalore (Violinist)
Born in a musical family, Hemanth was attracted to music at a very early age of
6. Initially he was taught
instrumental music, Carnatic violin by his father himself, Sri Revanaradhya.
Along with academic studies, Hemanth learnt his higher studies in music
under the able guidance of Sri. Anoor S. Ramakrishna.
By the time he completed his proficiency in violin, Hemanth had
successfully bagged a B high audition in AIR along with a lot of prizes from
numerous organizations. He was one
of the rarest students who received central government scholarship for 14 years.
Hemanth travelled all over India and also abroad like U.S.A., France and Holland
several times to play violin and received loads of appreciation from art lovers
all around.
With a great passion towards music, Hemanth chose to be a music director.
He has scored music to thousands of songs for dance dramas, light music,
devotional, folk basic programs. Hemanth’s is one of the most sought after names
in the small screen of Kannada and Tamil.
Hemanth has composed music for more than 2000 title scores for various
T.V. channels like DD, Udaya, ETV, Kasturi, Zee kannanda, Suvarna, TV9 etc.,
T.V. Titles
Directors
Moodala Mane
Vyshaali Kasaravalli
Jeevanmukhi
T.S. Nagaabharana
Sankranti
T.S. Nagaabharana
Kannugalu
T.S. Nagaabharana
Gelathi
T.S. Nagaabharana
Premakathegalu
P.H.Vishwanath
Tirukana kanasu
P.H.Vishwanath
Akku
H.R.Bhargava
Mandaara
K.V.Jairam
Ponnamane(Kodava)
A.T.Raghu
Anna Basavanna
Srinivas Prabhu
Athige
Bhagwan
Nakshatra Meenu
Jo Simon
Mahaanadi
M.S.Rajashekhar
Banjegondu tottilu
Koodlu Ramakrishna
Muttina Torana
Vyshaali Kasaravalli
Katakateya Kathegalu
Shivaanand
Punarjanma
Sudhakar Bhandari
Kasturi Nivaasa
Ashok Naidu
Popular Panchaali(Tamil)
Ravi Kishore
Hemanth has scored music to many documentary movies of very popular directors
for various organizations and Government bodies.
All his music needs are met in his own state –of-art audio studio, ‘Sri
Ganesh Audio Hut’. Having own
studio has immensely helped Hemanth to express his ideas in a very creative way.
Hemanth has worked as a music director to many Kannada films.
Some of them are:
Movies
Director
Hubballi
Om Prakash Rao
Olave
P.H.Vishwanath
Mahashakti Maaye
Pugilindi
Seetanjaneya
Boodal Krishnamurthy
Toss (Tamil)
Arjun
Jadi Male(Kodava)
Vishu
Apart from being a music director, Hemanth has also worked in direction
department to a few documentaries like Sangeeth Bharathi, Swara Madhurya,
Surakshita Ganigaarikeya haadiyalli, Belagavi – A jewel in the crown of
Karnataka, Sankalpa etc.,
Hemanth Kumar along with his wife Padma Hemanth runs an organisation called
‘Sangeeth Bharathi Institute of Arts’ founded by his father.
The artist couples teach music and dance to aspiring students here.
Many of their students are professionals today performing all over the
world. Sangeeth Bharathi has produced a number of programs, worked towards title
songs choreography, conducted workshops on dance and music.
Sangeeth Bharathi presents stage shows, skits, theatre plays on
management concepts which are very relevant in present corporate world.
OTHER DETAILS OF THE
SHOW
DURATION: 120 MINUTES / Number
of Artists: 6 – 8 / Artists from India: 3 / Artists from USA: 3 – 5
Expectations: A good stage
(40ft width X 30 ft) with 5 microphones and a decent lighting (A general
lighting with a minimum of one center spot and three color washes. If your
theater has better equipment, we will be happy to use it with your help to give
a better production.)
Remuneration:
Since this tour is self sustaining by the donations of devotees; any
donation is appreciated as it will contribute towards the expenses of this
project such travel, boarding, insurance, food, taxes and others. It would be a
great help if the organization can be reasonable to cover our expenses.
Local Boarding Lodging should
be borne by the organizers. We need two or three rooms with three beds to sleep
our dancers and artists. Our stay will be mostly two nights/two days in most of
the places.
Food: Vegetarian
We are a non-smoking team with
healthy habits.