Niveshan’s passion, hard work pays off
AN Indian classical dancer, who has spent years honing his craft, will possibly be the first male in South Africa to graduate in Kuchipudi.
Niveshan Munsamy’s Rangapravesam (graduation) will take place at the Thekwini College Auditorium in Asherville on May 19 at 6pm.
The 27-year-old, who was influenced by his parents and gurus, has spent the past five years perfecting one of the eight major Indian classical dances in Chennai, India, where he currently resides.
The former Pietermaritzburg resident began dancing at the age of 4 under his mother’s careful eye.
His mom, Kantharuby, is the director and choreographer of the Natya Kalalayam Academy of Music and Dance.
“I used to travel with my ‘amma’ (mother) to all her classes, and she began guiding me in the sacred art of Bharathanatyam, and through learning I found a medium to connect to the divine.
“Amma groomed me through some of her major plays, including Krishna Leela, where I played Baby Krishna. My sister, Yshrene Moodley, also provided me with extensive Bharathanatyam lessons, and this taught me there is beauty in all movements. Whether it be Nritya or Natya, you can emote through every figment of your dance movements.”
Munsamy and his twin brother, Nireshan, were awarded scholarships from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in New Delhi to study carnatic music under Strimathi Subalakshmi Muthusamy of the Luxmi Narayana Institute in India in 2014.
While abroad, Munsamy decided to pursue his dancing career with the Shivamohanam Institute of Fine Arts for Kuchipudi under the guidance of renowned dance duo Shri Jaikishore and Srimathi Padmavani Mosalikanti, who he considers his gurus.
“I wanted to educate myself with the advanced studies of Kuchipudi, so I could add to the upliftment, promotion and propagation of this art form in South Africa and around the world.
“I have had the privileged to perform alongside my gurus at various prestigious functions and festivals, some of which included the Madras Music Academy in 2017.”
Munsamy said his parents, Kantharuby and Vanthanathan, have been his greatest influence over the years.
“My amma and appa (father) have not only played the roles of parents but were my first gurus. It is from them that my passion for singing and dancing grew. They also taught me to be disciplined. They would always say be a good human-being before you face the world to become an exponent of the art.”
The BA music degree graduate from the Madras University said goal setting was his greatest tool for success.
“I believe goals should be set on a daily basis as they help end each day with a positive outcome. With the dedication, devotion, life skills and values that have been instilled in me by my parents, I am also able to reach greater heights.”
Munsamy’s message to other dancers: “Start to think out the box and be open minded, which will enable you to discover your other talents and interests.”
As part of the Natya Kalalayam Academy of Music and Dance’s 40 years anniversary celebration, Shri Jaikishore and Srimathi Padmavani Mosalikanti will perform on May 20 at the Thekwini College Auditorium at 4pm.
For enquiries, call Kantharuby on 082 971 7537.