Tribute - The Art and Legacy of Lakshmi Viswanathan: Dancing through time - Jeetendra Hirschfeld

Renowned as Nritya Kalanidhi, Lakshmi Viswanathan was a celebrated Bharatanatyam artiste, scholar, and writer. She was known for her mesmerising performances and innovative choreography for group productions. Alongside her illustrious dance career, she authored four highly acclaimed books and contributed extensively to journals, newspapers, and dance portals. Her erudite lectures, captivating demonstrations, and popular masterclasses made her a favourite among dance students worldwide. She also held the esteemed position of editor at the Kalakshetra Journal.

I knew Lakshmi for a long time, and over the decades, my relationship with her evolved - first as a rasika, and later as a collaborator and friend. She would often call me her sparring partner. We shared a deep interest in Bharatanatyam history, particularly Thanjavur, which has been the heart of South Indian music and dance for centuries. Lakshmi's familial ties to Thanjavur gave her a deep historical and personal connection, and our research frequently intersected with this rich heritage. 

Read more in the site

Please provide your name / email id along with your comment. Anonymous and derogatory comments will be removed.