Grace and Tradition Take Center Stage at Bharatanatyam Evening in Pimple Gurav
By Saakshi Pandhare
Pune, 5th October 2025: The reign of rhythm, the glory of grace, and the togetherness of tradition filled the air at the Natsamrat Nilu Phule Natyagruha Auditorium in Pimple Gurav on Sunday evening. The occasion was the annual Bharatanatyam recital by students of Maha Natyalaya, led by their guru, Dr. Mahalakshmi Krishnamurthy, in celebration of Dussehra (Vijayadashami).
Maha Natyalaya students celebrate Dussehra with classical performances under the guidance of Dr. Mahalakshmi Krishnamurthy.
Dr. Krishnamurthy, a devoted practitioner and teacher of Bharatanatyam, is the founder of Maha Natyalaya — one of western Pune’s leading academies for Kalakshetra-style Bharatanatyam. Over the past decade, she has trained numerous young dancers, instilling in them a deep respect for the traditional art form. This marked the third consecutive year that her institution commemorated Dussehra with a grand cultural showcase at the same venue.
The event opened with a traditional prayer dance performed by senior disciples, setting a spiritual tone for the evening. As the program progressed, students aged between six and sixteen took to the stage in colourful costumes, presenting a variety of pieces that reflected both the discipline and beauty of classical dance.
The beginners’ groups delighted the audience with simple yet expressive performances, their enthusiasm lighting up the stage. The intermediate and advanced students followed with technically intricate pieces — featuring graceful movements, precise footwork, and powerful abhinaya (expressions) that held the audience spellbound.
Throughout the evening, the auditorium reverberated with applause from a 450-plus strong audience, comprising parents, art lovers, and cultural enthusiasts. Each performance was met with cheers and appreciation, highlighting the dedication of both the students and their guru.
As the final dance concluded, the stage was filled with smiling faces and heartfelt bows. The evening ended on a note of pride and joy as Dr. Krishnamurthy and her students received a standing ovation, celebrating not just a performance but the living tradition of Bharatanatyam itself.
