Sri Gururaju
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

In the world of classical dance, men are mostly preferred in the role of a teacher. For instance, the great Vempati Chinna Satyam, Kelucharan Mohapatra or Pandit Birju Maharaj, despite being great dancers themselves, gained fame as great teachers.

But, what if male dancers also want to be appreciated as dancers and performers? That is one aspect of Kritagnata 2025: Festival of Dance, Expressing Gratitude.

Presented by Chandraguru School of Dance, founded by Bengaluru-based Kuchipudi dancer Sri Gururaju, Kritagnata is his brainchild. The festival, brings together four Indian classical dance forms presented by four male dancers — TD Rajendra (Kathak), Dr Satyanarayana Raju (Bharatanatyam), Dr Gajendra Kumar Panda (Odissi) and Gururaju himself (Kuchipudi).

Dr Gajendra Kumar Panda
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Gururaju started Chandraguru School of Dance in 2021, which focuses on teaching Kuchipudi. The aim, Gururaju says, is to give back to society through the arts while paying homage to matru (mother), pitru (father), acharya (teacher), and guru (mentor or teacher). “We also have to thank nature because we take so much from it. And as a dancer we also thank the aharya (costume and jewellery) too. It may look small and insignificant, but the idea is to show gratitude in every aspect of life and art.”

Curating the festival with just male dancers, Gururaju says, was to create a platform for men as performers. “It is harder for us to be accepted as performers or to sustain ourselves in the field. The dancers featured in this festival are not only great dancers and teachers, but have also gained fame and success as performers too. They have inspired me too as a dancer and I wanted to present this aspect through the event to let aspiring dancers to know that dreams can be achieved,” says the 40-year old over a call from his dance school in Nagarbhavi.

TD Rajendra
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

“Initially in the world of classical dance, most gurus were men. But some of the dancers today are successful as gurus and dancers/performers,” states the dancer, a student of Vyjayanthi Kashi. Gururaju started learning dance only at the age of 18 and thanks his parents, Chandra and Nagaraju. “They did not stop me from pursuing my dream to be a dancer. My mother passed away but she was instrumental in nurturing my dreams. Hence, the school is dedicated to her name. She also had said she would be proud of me the day I get written about in The Hindu, and would believe I have made a mark as a dancer the day I achieve this feat. So I dedicate this interview to my mother.” 

When Gururaju asked his guru (Vyjayanthi) if he was too old to learn classical dance, she assured him saying age is just a number. “She said what I achieve, depends on my passion and dedication.”

Being his debut festival, Gururaju says organising this feat was a challenge until the parents of his students and his peers pitched in. “Everything blissfully fell in place and they helped my dream of the festival come true.”

Dr Satyanarayana Raju
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The biggest challenge in the world of dance according to Gururaju is sustaining oneself as a dancer. “It is a highly competitive world. As male dancers, we struggle to get sponsors and at times even a platform to perform. Even relatives and friends look at you questioningly when you express desire to become a professional dancer.” Success, Gururaju believes, comes in following one’s passion and finding that inner peace. “I find it when I dance.”

Of late, Gururaju, says men are not being accepted as dance teachers, “I have parents asking if I have a female dancer teacher in my school. That hurts, but I tell myself if I prove myself as a teacher, then even this challenge can be overcome.”

Kritagnata 2025, will be presented on March 31, 5.30pm at Seva Sadan, Malleshwaram. It is open to all.