Kamala Bhatt, P reporter of Pandallaur Bani | Photo courtesy: Special arrangement
In the late 1970s, the dance land in Mangaluru dominated the male gurus, Jayalakshmi Alva was one of the few exceptions. Then Kamala Bhatt established the Natyalaya in Urva in 1978. She wanted to enhance local talent.
Kamala Bhatt is deeply inherent in the tradition of this art, the Pandallur style exponent of Bharatanatyam, he has learned from famous gurus such as Ullal Mohan Kumar, BR Sundar Kumar and Revathi Narasimhan.
Born in Kasargod in Kerala in 1954, Kamala moved to Mangaluru to continue her training at Bharatanatyam. As one of the most senior students of Guru Ullal Mohan Kumar, Kamala trained for many years. They developed the values of discipline and Guru devotion in them. Later, he also gave it to his students, who have now become skilled teachers in themselves, keeping this tradition alive.
Guru Kamla Bhatt adopted a holistic approach to teaching, ensuring that her students were not only trained in dance but also supported all aspects of their lives. He arranged for his goodness and ensured that he was nourished while advancing the art.
With the tireless hard work of 45 years, Kamala Bhatt became one of the most respected Bharatanatyam Gurus of Mangaluru. Today, his legacy continues through his students, out of which more than 30 have established their own dance institutes globally, and more than 70 students have completed their scholarship tests under his guidance.
A former student of her recalls when she was struggling financially to continue her dance studies. Kamala Bhatt offered to borne her advanced training fees quietly without any hesitation. When the student insisted on paying, the Guru smiled and said, “If you want to pay me, make sure you continue the art with the same dedication and love that I have taught you.”
Kamla Bhatt during a performance. Photo courtesy: Special arrangement
Guru Ullal Mohan Kumar, who is now 91 years old, remembers his disciple, because he had a deep, unique relationship with him. Describing her as “my eldest daughter” affectionately, he mentioned her curiosity and dedication to learning.
Ullal Mohan Kumar’s daughter, dancer Rajshree Shenoy, her shared performance, especially the prestigious ‘Bhavayami Raghuramam’ on stage.
Kamala Bhatt’s contribution to Bharatanatyam in Mangaluru has been recognized by many organizations. His appreciation included the ‘Karnataka Kalashree’ award from the Karnataka Sangeet Dance Academy in 2020, ‘Dakshin Kannada District Rajyotsav Award’ and ‘Shri Ram Vitthal Award’ from Pagewar Swamy.
,(Radhika Shetty is a Bharatanatyam dancer and teacher in Mangaluru)
Published – January 24, 2025 03:08 PM IST
