Nartanam Academy of Dance and Music (NADAM) is among Bangalore's best Kathak and Bharatanatyam teaching and performing society. Coconut is a fruit of which no part is wasted! Tender water, add protein rich fruit, even the shell makes Fab India buttons now! Then there's coir mat, rope, carpets, beds and more. Add the tree itself... Dancing in the winds when you see it! That's why NADAM is aptly located on Coconut Street! In where else? Centre of Bangalore's traditional culture - Malleswaram, the other bastion being Basavangudi. R.K. Narayan's famous book that Shankar Nag and wife Arundhati Nag made into a beautiful DD teleserial - Malgudi Days - partakes of these two wor(ld)ds Mal - (from Malleswaram) and Gudi from Basavangudi. Great ideas are simple; clutter leads to confusion. Or Confucius!Confucius sounding, read 'sorted,' are NADAM founders Murali Mohan Kalvakalva and Nandini Mehta. Stable, sensible and solid, both have trained many, performed much and steered 25 years of Bangalore's best dance festival, nay, two festivals - Chinna Nadam for children under 13 and Periya Nadam for grown up talents in December.It's a sheer delight to watch the young ones, all dolled up like - dolls!
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What an amazingly elaborate and honest review by Ashish ji about everything he writes like always. Read his blog and one is transported to the venue to witness the entire event in person it seems. How lucky are those children who are pursuing the classical arts and encourage by their teachers and the cherry on the cake are mentioned by Ashishji. They have a review when they are still not yet teenagers well almost. Thank you 🙏🏻 once again Ashishji. Warm regards from Thailand.
ReplyDeleteI'm a dance conossier, I frequent the major venues for dance in town, i barge in many a times uninvited .. however after seeing the kids dance with such innocense , purity and zeal, I don't want to anything else. There's no exaggeration. Such was the effect this two event had on me . It is such a great thought to bring kids and their talents to limelight. Whole heartedly appreciating the efforts of NADAM and team for the same. May it's tribe grow far and wide.
ReplyDeleteDr.Raghavendra
A heartfelt thank you to Ashish Khokar ji for his beautiful and insightful review, “Of Chinna Nadam and Periya Talents!”
ReplyDeleteHis thoughtful observations and appreciation of the young artistes, their teachers and the spirit of Chinna Kalanadam are deeply valued. Having him present at the festival and witnessing the performances first-hand makes his words all the more meaningful.
His encouragement and candid observations are a great source of inspiration as the journey continues. Grateful for his continued support and for recognising the spirit behind Chinna Kalanadam. 🙏
Nandini K.Mehta
Artistic Director, NADAM, Bengaluru
Wonderful article with lot of information. I love it.
ReplyDeleteAshish ji,
ReplyDeleteI have gone through your in-depth analytical review of Chinna Naadam and Periya Talent. Kudos to the organizers for choosing such a meaningful title. Your comparison with the coconut was simply brilliant and thought-provoking.
In our younger days, we eagerly waited every week to watch Malgudi Days. It was much more than entertainment; it served as a moral science lesson that subtly inculcated values and ethics. Unfortunately, such value-based learning is largely absent from today's educational system, and the consequences are becoming increasingly evident in the younger generation. Respect for elders, appreciation of our culture and traditions, and the importance of family values and bonds seem to be gradually diminishing.
Regarding the performance, I appreciated your frank observations as well as your generous words of appreciation where they were deserved. Balanced and honest reviews such as yours are valuable for both artists and audiences.
Once again, I would like to reiterate my long-held belief: true talent and genuine contribution are not always recognized by governments or official institutions. Nevertheless, their worth remains undiminished, for real excellence ultimately earns the respect and admiration of discerning minds.
Warm regards.
Dr. P. RamaDevi
None better than Ashishji to lucidly elaborate on the nuances of various art forms. His eye for details, nuanced depictions, and elaboration needs no further emphasis. A reader is guaranteed to be transported while easily comprehending his article.
ReplyDeleteEach time i hear your speech or read your articles/reviews, i am moved and I wonder how do you detail every bit of an event so beautifuly!
ReplyDeleteSuch an elaborate lovely review of Chinna Kala Nadam 2026. Relived the event through your words. 🙏🏻