Aug 26 2026 to Aug 26 2026 7 p.m.

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

At 85 years of age, Guru Sri Pasumarthi Rattaiah Sarma Garu remains one of the last living custodians of the Kuchipudi Yakshagana tradition. a dance-drama format that seamlessly integrates dance, music, abhinaya, dialogue, and the singing of padyams by the performer. Kuchipudi dancer Aishwarya Meenakshi presents this evening, offering a chance to witness dharavus from this near-forgotten repertoire.

Distinct from the solo recital format commonly seen today, Kuchipudi Yakshaganam is a collaborative and immersive performance practice accompanied by a live orchestra, preserving the form’s historic character as a total theatre tradition. This presentation serves as an act of cultural preservation and transmission. It is a rare opportunity to encounter, celebrate, and document a vital chapter in the history of Kuchipudi directly from one of its most distinguished torchbearers.

Credits:
Nattuvangam – Sri Pasumarthi Rattaiah Sarma
Vocals – Ajeesh Menon
Mridangam – Sreerang kalamandalam
Flute – Srikrishna Bhat
Violin – Arjun MD

Supported by:

Venue: Auditorium
Performer

Aishwarya Meenakshi
Kuchipudi
Aishwarya Meenakshi is a Kuchipudi artiste from Bengaluru, trained under Smt. Sreelakshmy Govardhanan and Shri Pasumarthy Rattaiah Sharma Garu. She is a Senior Scholarship recipient from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, A-graded Doordarshan artiste, and represented India as a cultural ambassador in South Korea through the ICCR. She has performed at platforms including the Nishagandhi Dance Festival and Soorya Youth Festival. She trains under Shri Pasumarthy Rattaiah Sharma Garu, the last living Bhagavatulu in the Kuchipudi Yakshaganam tradition, currently learning traditional Yakshaganams centred on authentic Vachika Abhinaya, preserving the form’s original narrative and performative essence.