Spanning a dancing career over 70 years, C. V. Chandrashekhar is a name to reckon with in Bharatnatyam world. Along with his wife Jaya Chandrasekhar, he forms one of the most recognised dancing couple in the country. Chandrasekhar started his career back in 1947, breaking the norm as a male dancer. He retired as the Head and Dean of the faculty of performing arts at M.S. University of Baroda in 1992. His amiable persona along with the aura of grace and poise is quite pleasing to everybody. Chandrasekhar possesses uncanny abilities as a dancer, choreographer and singer. He has composed a number of dance ballets during the course of his illustrious career in both Carnatic and North Indian styles of music. Some of his most famous works include Ritu Samharan, Meghdutam, Aparajita and Kreeda. He has been bestowed with several major awards such as Padma Bhushan, Kalidas Samman, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Bharatnatyam and Nritya Rathnakara to name a few. His exploits on stage have bought his name to the world. Being famous for his workshops all around the world, he showcases a zest for active life. Even though he started dancing at a very tender age, he still finds the passion to continue even at the age of 83. He currently imparts his wealth of knowledge to the students at Nrityashree in Chennai.
Professor Chandrasekhar reveals how his introduction to dance was spontaneous, bereft of any outside factors. He cherishes his childhood hostel days that shaped and moulded his love for dancing and singing through extracurricular activities. He stresses enough importance on music that influenced his future dancing endeavours. He also expresses how he closely observes genuine human interactions with which he identifies many dancing movements. Along with small anecdotes from his vast career, he showcases his simplicity and dignity through his speech. Revered by many, he describes the one thing that he learnt from life’s experiences is to never stop dancing. His unending passion for performance makes him one most sought after dancing teacher in the world. C. V. Chandrasekhar believes in experiencing pure and genuine performances devoid of external glitz and glamour. He believes in the timelessness of his art.
C. V. Chandrasekhar presents his deft knowledge of rhythms of his dancing style. A traditionalist by heart he doesn’t mind young people experimenting as long as that doesn’t lead to copying others. He reveals his opinion about the importance of traditional dhotis in place of stitched costumes for dancers. He liberally watches reality shows and is amused upon realising the amazing talents of these children. He feels the need for healthy competition as long as it doesn’t lead to animosity. He sheds light on how insecurity and the fear of being unknown result in unhappiness. From his professional opinions, he moves on to philosophical virtues of a good life. He believes in the creative prowess of each dancer and tries to maintain a good connection with all of his acquaintances.
