KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 — If her age-defying beauty doesn’t have you enthralled, then her dancing will.
At 62, one of India’s best classical dancers Padma Shri Ananda Shankar Jayant Ananda can easily pass for 20 years younger. On or off stage.
“Who is 62? I don’t know,” she replied with a grin when asked by Malay Mail how she looked so much younger than her age.
Ananda, who has captivated audiences in 30 countries, will be performing for the very first time in Malaysia with her disciple, Neha Sathanapalli.
Their highly-anticipated Bharatanatyam presentation Thyagaraja Ramayanam organised by Kalpana Dance Theatre will be staged at the Tan Sri Soma Auditorium, Wisma Tun Sambanthan on June 17.
In the 90-minute ekaharya, where one dancer takes on multiple roles in a single performance, Ananda and Neha will take us through the widely known Hindu epic Ramayana from the lesser-known perspective of Saint Thyagaraja.
Unlike most dancers, Ananda is an eminent exponent and performer of two classical styles, the Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi.
A brilliant choreographer, she and her ensemble have performed all over the world, across five continents, winning critical acclaim.
Ananda (left) and Neha will perform the Hindu epic Ramayana in their 90-minute showcase. — Picture courtesy of Kalpana Dance Theatre
For her contribution to the field of classical dance, Ananda was conferred ‘Padma Shri’, India’s fourth highest civilian award in 2007 and awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar for Bharatanatyam in 2009.
Ananda, who began dancing at the age of four, is a breast cancer survivor and motivational speaker who has been invited to speak at Harvard Business School.
Her TED talk in 2009 has been ranked as one of 12 Incredible TED talks.
Beauty secret? “Being vegetarian, puja and always choosing happiness.”
For more details on her June 17 show, contact Shangita of Kalpana Dance Centre at 017-6725672 or 013-2472045.
