Deriving from the ancient Hindu texts, this classical dance form is unique
One of the eight major Indian classical dance forms of India, Kuchipudi originated in a village named Kuchipudi in Andhra Pradesh. The evidence of its existence has been found in copper inscriptions of the 10th century, and by the 15th century in texts such as the Machupalli Kaifat. So Kuchipudi is a dance drama that has its roots deep in the ancient Hindu Sanskrit text of Natya Shastra. It from here that it was developed as a religious art linked to temples and spiritual beliefs.
Traditional Kuchipudi was performed by males troupe but more women are embracing this dance form and making it popular. The dance is performed on vocal and instrumental Carnatic music in the Telugu and the typical musical instruments in Kuchipudi used are mridangam, cymbals, veena, flute, and tambura. Here are a few famous and fierce Kuchipudi dancers from India famous worldwide.
Raja and Radha Reddy Raja and Radha Reddy are a Kuchipudi dancing couple, guru and choreographers who have taken the Kuchipudi dance form to international levels. They both are regarded to be solely responsible for bringing Kuchipudi on the cultural map of the world. The couple has been conferred with Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards for their unimaginable contribution in the field of dance.
Haleem Khan A Kuchipudi dancer, performer, and movie actor, Khan specializes in Rupanurupam – the female impersonation within Kuchipudi. He is famous for his performance of Bhama Kalapam and for various roles in Annamacharya kirtanas. He trained from a very young age under his guru Shri Kaza Venkata Subramanyam garu. Initially, Khan performed under the stage name of Hari, but soon his female impersonation gave critical acclaim winning him awards and felicitations. He has performed in more than 800 dance shows across the world and has conducted Kuchipudi workshops overseas.
Hema Chaudhary Born with the name Durga Prabha, she chose her stage name as Hema Chaudhary. She was an actress and acted in Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Tamil films. However, she is best remembered for her negative roles in Kannada films and has acted in over 150 films. Chaudhary is also an accomplished Kuchipudi dancer having performed at over 700 shows across the world.
Sobha Naidu She was among the torchbearers of Kuchipudi dancers and a disciple of Vempati Chinna Satyam. Naidu performed with her guru all over the country, excelling in the roles of Satyabhama and Padmavati. She has choreographed several dance dramas and also received the title of Nritya Choodamani from Krishna Gana Sabha, Madras.
