Malavika Sarukkai: “Being an extraordinary artist himself, his approach to art often influenced my thinking.”
Malavika Sarukkai. | Photo credit: Ravindran R
My association with Chandru Anna It was many years ago when he returned to Chennai after being away from the city for a long time. I was deeply impressed by his experiences and journey of dance. In him I found an artist who blended scholarship and passion, tradition and change, depth and surprise. These qualities inspired me to request him to create musical compositions for dance concepts close to my heart. These included ‘Sthiti-Gati’, ‘Bird Song’ and ‘Rhythm’.
Our collaborative sessions were always personal, unhurried and gentle as we both thoroughly enjoyed the creative process. With his vast knowledge of Carnatic and Hindustani music, Chandru Anna Spontaneously creating melodic phrases, jaatis, lyrics and rhythms that evolved into distinctive musical compositions. These compositions took shape through dialogue, sensitivity and attention to detail, which were in keeping with the concept I had in mind. Our mutual respect inspired discussions on dance at every platform. Being an exceptional artist himself, his perception of art often influenced my thinking.
Once the music was composed, he gave me complete freedom to interpret it the way I wanted. This was something I treasured. In him, I found an artist of depth and courage, who was as excited as I was to expand the boundaries of Bharatanatyam. He would often attend my performances with Jaya Akka and I treasure those opportunities very much. He brought a generosity of giving to my dance life, which I can never forget.
Sujatha Vijayraghavan“His modesty often made us forget that we were in the presence of a great man”.
Sujatha Vijayraghavan | Photo courtesy: Ramesh V
He had just recovered from an illness. We at Natyarangam requested him to take some time off from his usual aaduvu sessions at our camp. Our association of over 25 years with the Natyacharya was defined by love, reverence and learning. He participated in Natyarangam’s first thematic festival ‘Vandemataram’ in 1997, where he performed a pudu poem set to his music along with his wife Jaya.
He was the coordinator of the Natya Sangraha Shivir at Thennangur for more than two decades (since 2000). He could handle all the four branches of acting – Vachika, Aaharya and Satvika along with Angika, Kavita and Sangeet with equal finesse. He interacted with all the faculty members with a natural informality, making the sessions memorable and invaluable.
He challenged the young dancers with new forms of the traditional adavu, moving them energetically around the temple during the Garuda festival in Thennangur.
His modesty and affability often made us forget that we were in the presence of a great man. His sense of humour brought out the child in him. During late night thinnai discussions, he would share interesting anecdotes, sing songs, tell jokes and analyse dance sequences.
Many memorable moments are etched in our minds, like when he sang the Niraval for Bombay Jayshree for the line ‘Kamakshi Kanchadalayatakshi’, creating an instant Sanchari song.
In the last Guru-Shishya scene in the ‘Bandhava Bharatam’ festival, the disciple walks out of the Gurukul holding a lamp, and turns back tearfully to look at his Guru. And there Chandrasekhar stands, blesses and raises his hands in blessing. He had taught countless disciples throughout his life. There was much to learn from him as a great human being who had unshakable principles, excellent aesthetic sense and incomparable grace.
Praveen Kumar: “He was more than a guru”
Praveen Kumar | Photo Credit: Srinivas Murthy V
In life we meet people who become a part of our journey. Same happened with Guru C.V. Chandrasekhar. When my father was unwell, I met Sir, whose guidance and support was like a blessing for me.
Initially my association was limited to dance only. But soon I became a part of their family, enjoying lunch and snack sessions with them and travelling with them. Due to their multifaceted achievements, they became my personal and professional role models.
Another quality of his that I loved the most was his ability to engage with the performances of young artistes. Despite being an expert in Bharatanatyam, he appreciated different art forms. During the class, he inspired us by sharing precious memories and anecdotes from his training years. His high aesthetic values were reflected in his behaviour as well.
Indira Kadambi: “His vast knowledge, shared generously without expecting anything in return, inspired an entire generation of artists”
Indira Kadambi | Photo courtesy: KV Srinivasan
Being in the presence of a true artist who was the epitome of humility, affection and wisdom, one felt at peace. His vast knowledge, shared generously without any expectation of reciprocation, inspired an entire generation of artists. His life and teachings have left an indelible mark on all those who had the good fortune to learn from him, even if it was for a short time. I first met him in the early 1990s in the green room of Mylapore Fine Arts after one of my performances. His astute but insightful criticism influenced my artistic journey. As a great musician, he instantly connected with my musician-husband, TV Ramprasad. The informal music sessions held in our homes are now fond memories. He never missed our performances unless he was on tour. His generosity in showering praise, childlike smile and curiosity, and gracious hospitality will always be remembered. He had a keen eye for intricate artistic details in dance, music, textiles, costumes and even home decor.
Although he is no longer physically among us, his legacy lives on through his teachings, acts of kindness, and moments of selfless service.
