Rajeswari Sainath
Rajeswari Sainath | |
|---|---|
| Born | Hyderabad, India |
| Occupation(s) | Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer |
| Children | Vyshnavie Sainath |
| Awards | Kalaimamani (2018) |
Rajeswari Sainath is an Indian Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer based in Hyderabad, India. She is known for her performances and choreography, often collaborating with her daughter, Vyshnavie Sainath.[1] Sainath has been recognized for her contributions to Indian classical dance, receiving the Kalaimamani award from the Tamil Nadu government in 2018.[2][3]
Early life and training
[edit]Rajeswari Sainath was born in Hyderabad, India.[1] She began her Bharatanatyam training under Guru Indra Rajan and later continued her studies with other notable teachers.[4][5] She developed an interest in rhythmic compositions and has worked with percussionists, including the late mridangam maestro Karaikudi Mani.[6][7] Her training emphasized the mathematical precision of rhythms in Bharatanatyam, which influenced her choreography.[8]
Career
[edit]Sainath performs traditional Bharatanatyam recitals, adhering to the margam format, which includes a sequence of items such as pushpanjali, varnam, and tillana.[9] She has also choreographed and performed Bharatanatyam ballets, including Sri Lalitha Vaibhavam,[10] Rajsimha (based on Lord Narasimha),[11] and productions tracing the river Godavari.[12][13] One of her ballets focused on environmental themes, highlighting the importance of rivers.[14] These works often incorporate complex rhythmic patterns, such as the khanda jati triputa tala, showcasing her focus on rhythm in dance.[6][15]
Her performances combine traditional techniques with thematic narratives.[16] For example, her ballet Ode to the River was presented as a tribute to the river Godavari, combining dance with storytelling.[13] Sainath has performed at various cultural festivals and venues, including events organized by the Sri Krishna Gana Sabha.
Sainath frequently collaborates with her daughter, Vyshnavie Sainath, who is also a Bharatanatyam dancer.[1][9] Their joint performances maintain the traditional structure of Bharatanatyam recitals.[9] In addition to performing, Sainath teaches Bharatanatyam, emphasizing both technique and expression in her training approach.[5][17]
Awards and recognition
[edit]In 2018, Sainath was honored with the Kalaimamani award by the Tamil Nadu government for her contributions to Bharatanatyam.[2][3] She has also been acknowledged for her performances at national and international dance festivals.[18]
Personal life
[edit]Rajeswari Sainath resides in Hyderabad with her family. Her daughter, Vyshnavie Sainath, is a Bharatanatyam dancer and often performs alongside her.[1][9]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Rajeshwari Sainath and Vyshnavie Sainath". Sruti. Archived from the original on 2024-12-04. Retrieved 2025-04-15.
- ^ a b "Rajeswari Sainath gets Kalaimamani award". The Hindu. 2019-08-07. Archived from the original on 2025-04-24. Retrieved 2025-04-15.
- ^ a b "Musicians, Danseuse Honoured". News18. 2012-09-25. Archived from the original on 2025-04-23. Retrieved 2025-04-15.
- ^ "Remembering Guru Indra Rajan". The Hindu. 2022-05-05. Archived from the original on 2022-06-07. Retrieved 2025-04-15.
- ^ a b "Interview with Rajeswari Sainath". Narthaki. Archived from the original on 2025-04-23. Retrieved 2025-04-15.
- ^ a b "Rajeswari Sainath: Khanda jati triputa tala varnam, Guru Karaikudi Mani". The Hindu. 2022-07-07. Retrieved 2025-04-15.
- ^ "Mridangam Returns". Deccan Chronicle. 2017-03-21. Retrieved 2025-04-15.
- ^ "Doing the math on Bharatnatyam". New Indian Express. 2012-08-05. Archived from the original on 2025-04-23. Retrieved 2025-04-15.
- ^ a b c d "Rajeswari and Vaishnavie Sainath present the traditional margam to an appreciative audience". The Hindu. 2016-03-24. Archived from the original on 2025-04-23. Retrieved 2025-04-15.
- ^ "Rajeswari Sainath's Sri Lalitha Vaibhavam ballet". The Hindu. 2015-09-03. Archived from the original on 2025-04-23. Retrieved 2025-04-15.
- ^ "Rajsimha: Ballet on Lord Narasimha's life". The Hindu. 2015-07-02. Archived from the original on 2025-04-23. Retrieved 2025-04-15.
- ^ "A Bharatnatyam ballet tracing the descent of a mighty river". The Hindu. 2019-10-07. Archived from the original on 2025-04-23. Retrieved 2025-04-15.
- ^ a b "Ode to the River". The Hindu. 2017-08-24. Archived from the original on 2024-05-10. Retrieved 2025-04-15.
- ^ "Ballet with a message". New Indian Express. 2008-12-03. Archived from the original on 2025-04-23. Retrieved 2025-04-15.
- ^ "Unusual rhythmic challenges". The Hindu. 2015-12-17. Retrieved 2025-04-15.
- ^ "Sticking to tradition, yet modernising art". New Indian Express. 2009-02-13. Retrieved 2025-04-15.
- ^ "The body and the mind". The Hindu. 2013-03-01. Archived from the original on 2025-04-23. Retrieved 2025-04-15.
- ^ "Firm steps to fame". The Hindu. 2016-09-03. Archived from the original on 2025-04-23. Retrieved 2025-04-15.