She is an ashtavadani. Apart from being a dancer, she is an accredited visualiser and choreographer of repute. She has choreographed for many award winning film songs and is also a resource expert at Delhi Doordarshan. A winner of many awards from here and abroad, her award winning show was a television programme, Thaka Dhimi Tha.
Radhika Shrujit is an ICCR empanelled artiste for Bharatanatyam at the ministry of external affairs and represented India both as a dancer and as a teacher abroad. She has performed in well-known art festivals and temples, and has a honorary citizen award from Oklahoma State University, USA. The eldest of three sisters, Radhika is one of the first and senior-most disciples of the Dhananjayans. She brims with confidence.
“My journey into the world of dance over the years, has had twin focus - first to take classical arts to the common man without diluting the purity of the art forms, and to create the next generation of youth who will appreciate our traditional art forms.
Is this not a difficult mission for you?
She is confident that her work on ‘Dance through lens,’ binding the visual art and technology, utilizing powerful electronic media, since time and space are different on stage and through the lens, will be a great success. She is equally enthusiastic when she talks of her second mission - to produce unique dance productions along with choreographing traditional thematic productions.
What does she think of the integration between choreography and presentation?
I have realized that it is challenging to strike a balance between aesthetics and appeal though many may think that it is easy. What is imperative is that the nuances of Bharatham are incorporated into the structure of the music and dance segments.
What about young artistes?
In today’s times, many young artistes have strong views on the theoretical side of arts and would like to experiment with new styles. They need to be inspired by experienced artists and understand the competitiveness of the cultural world. Since rasikas of the present day are heterogeneous in their likes and dislikes, artists should establish their identity by adhering to Manodharma, imbibing rich techniques with a strong solid foundation, and should be aware that newness cannot be forced, but can only bloom.
