Date: 25th December 2002, By: Padmabhushan Uma Sharma, Gopal Venu & Troupe
Padmabhushan Uma Sharma is one of the foremost exponents of the Kathak, form of indian classical dance. Versatile and internationally known Uma Sharma is a name to contend within the dance world today. She is a fine example of talent, tenacity and drive, her achievements are many. She is a recipiant of the prestigious national awards such as Padmashree. The sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the Sahitya kala Parishad award for her contribution to the Kathak dance form.
In kathak the musical component is highly developed. Uma herself sings the composition for expressional numbers which enables her to create a matching fluidity of movements. She has widened and enriched the repertoire of kathak by composing new dance numbers and full length dance-dramas on a verity of themes. Her dance creation Stree (woman) has been greatly admired for its powerful thematic content and artistic presentation.
Uma has performed all over India and abroad and participated in many National and International festivals.
GOPAL VENU
Performer and director of Kutiyattam troupe of Natanakairali, kerala.
Venu is well known for his contribution to performing arts of Kerala in India – As a person responsible for the rejuvenation of several rare traditional art forms and as a research scholar.
He was always an important performer of the Kutiyattam troupe that toured countries like France, England, Holland, Switzerland, Denmark etc.
Venu has also received several honours including Kerala Sahitya Academy Award, Homi Baba fellowship, Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust Fellowship and Senior Fellowship from department of cultuere, Govt. of India.
