A Majestic Confluence of Natya & Live Music**
Organized by Shailusham Arts & Creations®️
📍 Kalagrama Auditorium, Bengaluru
📅 10th May 2025 | 4th Edition
In a resplendent celebration of classical Indian performing arts, the 4th Edition of Yuva Kalotsava unfolded on *May 10, 2025, at Bengaluru’s esteemed **Kalagrama Auditorium. Conceptualized and curated by **Shailusham Arts & Creations®️, this festival stood out for its artistic sanctity and distinctive offering: *Bharatanatyam performed to the magic of live music — a rarity in today’s tech-dominated world of playback-heavy performances.
🔆 A Timeless Legacy
Yuva Kalotsava is not merely an dance musical event — it is a living testimony to *Shailusham’s 15-year artistic journey, which has seen the successful orchestration of **32 classical festivals, all centered on the essence of *live musical accompaniment. This unique commitment has positioned Shailusham as the only cultural platform in India to consistently uphold this tradition across every single edition.
🎨 The Artistic Architects
This vision is passionately brought to life by Shailusham’s core visionaries:
- Vid. Ananth Vikram – A multifaceted maestro whose prowess as a *vocalist, nattuvanar, and *Bharatanatyam guru forms the artistic backbone of the festival. His soul-stirring vocals set the emotive tone for every dancer’s narrative.
- Smt. Chaitra Ananth – A dynamic force in the field of arts as an actress, dancer, and anchor, whose cultural leadership adds aesthetic finesse and energy to Shailusham’s mission.
Together, they have transformed Shailusham into an inclusive and vibrant space for classical arts to thrive, evolve, and reach new audiences.
🌟 Graced by Esteemed Guests
The occasion was blessed with the presence of eminent dignitaries who have deeply influenced Karnataka’s journalistic, cultural, and social spheres:
- Sri Shivakumar Nagaranavile – President, Karnataka Press Club Council
- Naadoja Dr. Umesh Kumar – Esteemed industrialist & philanthropist
- Sri Lepakshi Santosh Rao – Veteran journalist & well-respected art critic
Their encouragement and admiration inspired both performers and the organizing team to keep pushing the boundaries of creative excellence.
🎶 Where Every Note Meets a Step
The heartbeat of the festival was its live orchestra, a rare and invaluable tradition in today’s classical circuits. This ensemble elevated every dancer’s artistry into an immersive experience of rhythm and rasa.
- *Vocals: *Vid. Ananth Vikram – bringing life and laya to every phrase
- *Mridangam: *Vid. Arun Kumar – one of India’s most sought-after percussionists whose rhythmic precision enthralled the audience
- *Flute: *Vid. Ganesh – whose lilting, expressive artistry added lyrical grace to the performances
Their synergy created a sacred stage where the music and movement merged seamlessly — honoring the very soul of Bharatanatyam.
💫 Featured Performances
1️⃣ Smt. Madhuri Bhat (Disciple of Vid. Bhavana)
Her performance opened the evening with a divinely poised *Pushpanjali in Aarabhi, followed by a *Devaranama in Hamsanandi that evoked devotion and meditative grace — a solo marked by depth and calm.
2️⃣ Disciples of Guru Vid. Archana Punyesh
A vibrant trio featuring *Durga Kautvam, **Kavadi Chindu, and a *Saraswati Kriti – the dancers captured shakti, bhakti, and lalitya with elegance and expressive synergy.
3️⃣ Disciples of Guru Dr. Sagar T.S.
Performed the exquisite Varnam “Bhuvana Sundarana” in Khamach (Adi Talam), composed by Vid. Dwaraki Krishnaswamy. Their execution reflected both technical finesse and spiritual reverence, resonating deeply with rasikas.
4️⃣ Disciples of Guru Vid. Akshara Bharadwaj
Their powerful rendition of the Varnam “Maathe Malayadhwaja Pandya Sanjate” (Khamach – Adi) was rich in abhinaya and rhythmic command, portraying divine feminine strength with poetic intensity.
5️⃣ Srishti Hebbar (Disciple of Dr. Archana S. Rao)
A brilliant soloist who brought vigor through a *Shiva Tandava Kriti in Lathangi, followed by a spellbinding *Thillana based on Kalinga Mardana Krishna – concluding the festival on a spiritually charged note.
🎙️ Anchored with Warmth & Wit
The festival’s emceeing was both informative and endearing, led by:
- Dr. Raghasree Bharadwaj – a dentist and dedicated dancer, also a disciple of Vid. Ananth Vikram, who brought scholarly depth to the proceedings.
- Kum. Mahati Ananth – a 13-year-old child prodigy, actress, and dancer stepping into anchoring with poise and charm.
🎥 Capturing the Spirit
- *Videography: By *Sri Satish – whose lens beautifully encapsulated the rhythm and rasa on stage
- *Photography: *Sri Aashrith Mallur – a candid artist capturing expressions with aesthetic brilliance
🏅 Celebrating Legends – Shailusham Ratna Awards
A key moment in the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Shailusham Natya Ratna to the iconic Dr. Sathyanarayana Raju, a stalwart of Bharatanatyam, for his enduring contributions to Indian classical dance.
🌟 Powered by Passionate Partners
Yuva Kalotsava 2025 was proudly powered by GRAND AKSHAYA – real estate pioneers known for delivering quality developments and supporting cultural initiatives. Their associate sponsorship played a vital role in the success of this edition.
All Digital creatives, promotions, and online branding were expertly handled by DHEESMART MEDIA, the event’s Digital Partner, bringing visual finesse and wide outreach. Seamless execution and event coordination were made possible by our Event Partner – Kala Chaitra, whose efficient support ensured a smooth experience for artists and audiences alike.
🕊️ More Than a Festival – A Cultural Movement
Yuva Kalotsava 2025 was more than an event — it was a sacred *communion of music, dance, and devotion, keeping alive the essence of *live, interactive art in a world leaning toward the digital and the pre-recorded.
With its soulful commitment and impeccable curation, Shailusham Arts & Creations®️ continues to stand as a beacon of purity and innovation in Indian classical arts, inspiring new generations of artists to dream, dance, and dive deep into tradition.
🟣 #YuvaKalotsava2025
🔹 #LiveMusicNatya
🔹 #BharatanatyamFestival
🔹 #IndianClassicalDance
🔹 #ShailushamLegacy
🔹 #AnanthVikram
🔹 #ChaitraAnanth
🔹 #NatyaRatna
🔹 #ArtWithSoul