Yamini Reddy Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Kuchipudi dancer Yamini Reddy and a group of 25 dancers and a live orchestra will perform Surya – Tvam Surya Pranamamyaham In Hyderabad this weekend. The performance will trace the emergence of light through Kuchipudi.
,Sun This is my first presentation in the city under the Natya Tarangini Hyderabad banner, and a heartfelt offering to the Hyderabad audience. We journey to that powerful moment when consciousness opens its eyes to light for the first time,” says Yamini Reddy.
The dancer had planned to perform Sun in Hyderabad after its premiere in Delhi in 2018, but had to be put on hold due to the pandemic. “A lot of people asked me about our original production and I realized we didn’t represent it here.”
Yamini Reddy Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Yamini once read an article on creation and wondered whether it came after the first light fell on the earth. His research led him Nasadiya SuktaThe 129th hymn of the 10th mandala of the Rigveda which talks about cosmology and the origin of the universe. taking inspiration from SuktaThis production traces the cosmic origins of Surya, the Sun, as a primordial force that brings light, order and life to the universe.
how did life begin
The dance depicts the birth of the Sun and how the nine planets – Navagraha – are formed and revolve around the Sun. The 60-minute production showcases evolutionary history and the interconnectedness of life. “The first ray of light fell on the earth and probably began the evolution of life and creation after which other creatures of the world – plants, aquatic animals, land creatures and birds came into existence. If the Sun is divine, then all creatures on earth are connected to that Supreme Soul.”
shed light on nature
A group of dancers from Yamin Reddy Repertory during a performance. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Kuchipudi performances and ballets focus on themes related to gods and goddesses, but Yamini has tried to delve deeper into the philosophical side of nature and the universe. While the dance is classical, there are some contemporary elements in the treatment and presentation to bring nature center stage. The aim, says Yamini, is to send a message on the importance of maintaining balance in nature.
The presentation concludes with a praise of the Sun including a comparison of Surya Namaskaram in yoga and dance.
Yamini Reddy during a demonstration. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
From managing the technical and lighting departments and playing live music for a team of musicians led by Kolanki Sai Kumar and P. Vidyasagar to handling the choreography of the group of 25 dancers, Yamini admits it is a huge undertaking. With four major sections – from creation and Navagraha to nature and conclusion, the choreography enriches the narrative. Conceived and co-choreographed by Yamini, the presentation, which is a part of the Kalaarchana series, also features choreography by Padma Bhushan awardees Raja and Radha Reddy with artistic direction by Kaushalya Reddy. “It was like a jamming session where everyone is putting their heads together. It’s hard to separate the roles because each of us contributed to it.”
Surya – Tvam Surya Pranamamyaham by Yamini Reddy Repertory is at Shilpa Kala Vedika on 20th December; Tickets: BookMyShow
published – December 17, 2025 04:41 PM IST