Telangana State Awards were presented to various artists and performers. They were acknowledged as the future “art-bearers” of the state, as most of them were teachers passing down their legacy. A few of them tell us about their inspirations, art forms and future plans.
It’s interesting to know that most of the colours on Thota Vaikuntam’s canvas are inspired by the vibrant costumes worn by the folk theatre artistes in his village.
He talks about reviving the art academies of the state. “Revival is very important for the Kala Academies in the state so as to make it vibrant cultural centres that depict the past glory. I am always ready to be a part of the revival process,” he says.
Thota Vaikuntam, senior artist
Durishetti Ramaiah sharing his views about the honour says, “I feel that my birth in the family of performers has been justified. My father Ramanujam taught me this art which is like an heirloom passed down through generations. My father received an award from Kasu Brahmananda Reddy in the past and I’m very fortunate to get this award.” Ramaiah says that the younger generation, today, is more interested in pursuing studies, and interest in such art forms is wavering. “I look forward to more opportunities to train young children of the state in this art form,” he says.
Durishetti Ramaiah, a practitioner of traditional folk art Kaddi Tantri Vadyam
Talking about his experiences, P. Anil Kumar says, “I have worked in the sun and rain. I made nearly 47 trips to Latur during the earthquake days to capture the images. I have worked in “conflict zones”, and many other life-threatening situations. It’s not easy, but one must never give up. After all, we carry a mirror that brings truth to the people. And this award furthers my motto to that.”
P. Anil Kumar, photo journalist
Perini Kumar has been spreading the energy of Perini dance since the time he became a student of Guru Nataraja Ramakrishna. He says, “Artists like us always look forward to such awards as it inspires us to put in more efforts in propagation of the art form.” The art form is very popular, he says. “Very few people know that one of my students Duvvuri Vasalendra Kumari is a 47-year-old lawyer and has learnt Perini Tandavam,”says the proud teacher.
Perini Kumar, dancer
Raghavraj Bhatt and Mangala Bhatt are one of the very few artiste couples from the state. “This award is an inspiration for us to work more towards propagation of Kathak,” Mangala says. “It would be nice if Kathak can become a part of the syllabus in all the government music and dance colleges in Telangana”, he adds.
Raghavaraj Bhatt and Mangala Bhatt, kathak exponents
