SUAVE SRIDHAR COUPLE 
They Are Soulful And Startling

Interview - CNB   Photos - chitraloka, K.M. Veeresh   Date - 25th May 2006

For the fine performance only two things are absolutely necessary – the maximum potency combined with maximum delicacy – Sridhar and Anurdha – the dancing couple have imbibed this with finesse.

Sensible Sridhar with over two decades of performance in Bharatanatyam is today curiously observed all over the world. He along with his wife Anuradha and lovely daughter Anagha accompanied by Balasubramanyam Sharma, Prasanna Kumar, K.S.Jayaram and Harsha M.Samaga returned from 30 days performance and workshop at France and United Kingdom. They have performed at Guimmet Hall, Grenoble, Clermont, Aurilac, Boonnisson Liew etc in France and at Birmingham and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in London.

Earlier to this France and UK tour to showcase the rich Bharatanatyam tradition of India in Kenya, Germany, Switzerland, USA, and Singapore and at almost all the places inside the country.

The highlight of the recent 45 days (from 14th March to 26th April 2006) foreign jaunt of Sridhar, Anuradha and Anagha this time is the performance of the Mahabharatha via dance that was witnessed by cream of audience at Guimmet Hall situated at Asian Museum in Paris. Pandit Jasraj also attended this fantastic performance from Sridhar family. There was discussion with the top people who watched this spell bound for nearly two hours.

The experience of Sridhar couple from this France and UK tour is very rich and the performance of his 10 year old daughter Anaga Gowri received applause everywhere. I have been visiting various places across the world since seven years but this 45 days tour was special because of the Mahabharatha dance feature of one hour 45 minutes. It has given ultimate satisfaction recalls Sridhar speaking to this correspondent over telephone.

With fascination in Kannada literature I am able to bring in 'Kannada Kavya' of centuries old says Sridhar brimming with happiness. He is working out on the modalities now.

What about films?
I have acted in K.Vishwanath's 'Swarabhisekham'. I played the lead role. The tragedy of sacrifice got me the best supporting actor. In Kannada I need to get a meaty role that demands my performance. I came straight from College to Kannada films. I made debut in 'Amrutha Ghalige' and won state award for 'Shishunala Sharief'.

What was his unfulfilled wish?
I wanted to perform in front of Dr.Rajkumar and his family. He was fond my lord Shiva role in some of the Kannada films.

How is the treatment to Indian culture and tradition in place like France and UK? In fact they know our culture better than our own people. One fine day we have to trace Indian culture and heritage in one of the corners of European countries.

What is the best lesson you have learnt so far?
That is from the one and only Dr.M.S.Subbulaxmi. If a performer sit quiet for one day it will affect him. Sit quiet for two days it will affect his accompaniments. Sit quiet for three days the audience would get affected. This lesson I would not forget for ever in my life. Every day I practice dance with my wife Anuradha. Daughter Anagha Gowri is picking up very fast in this profession.

How is your teaching going on?
To pass on the rich legacy I have established Khechara Institute of Bharatanatyam. The students are taught in the achievement of true classical excellence.