Take us right back to the very start — what first drew you to Bharatanatyam, and how old were you when you began?
I started learning Bharatanatyam at the age of 9 from my grandfather, Natyacharya Guru Sri H.R. Keshava Murthy. Since art was already at home, it was very easy for me to develop an interest in it.
Tell us about the guru you trained under — what were those early years in the dance hall like?
Though he was my grandfather, in class he was my guru — highly disciplined and punctual. We never dared to go late to class or miss it. Like any other student, I was also treated the same. We had to practice, without which no new lesson was taught. It was healthy learning and competition amongst us. We loved going to the class.
What do you remember about the first time you performed on a stage — the nerves, the lights, the moment just before the music began?
I was very nervous, but at the same time very happy to go on stage with costume and makeup.
What are some of your favorite performance photographs from your journey?
My Arangetram, my first full-fledged program.
What's the story behind your salangai — do you remember the first time you tied them on?
My father gave them to me, and they were my father's, so I am emotionally attached to them.
Walk us through getting ready for the stage — how long does it take to get fully into costume and makeup, and is there a part of it you love most?
It is a complete 2-hour process for me to get ready relaxedly. But that doesn't mean I can't get ready in an hour — I do both, depending on how much time I have. I want everything to be perfect before I go on stage, so I ensure it happens, and I enjoy the whole process.
Which abhinaya piece do you love performing, and what story or emotion are you bringing to life in it?
It's an Asthanayika piece, and the emotion is Sringara.
What does an ordinary riyaz day look like for you — and is there an adavu or step you find yourself returning to again and again?
An ordinary riyaz looks like sticking to basics and the roots — warm-up steps and then practicing a composition. One adavu that I liked going back to as a child and still do now is Kudittha Mettu Adavu.
Who's in this picture with your guru or dance family, and what were you all working towards when it was taken?
The single photo is my grandfather, Natyacharya Guru Sri H.R. Keshava Murthy. The other one is with my father and mother, Karnataka Kalasri Dr. B.K. Shyam Prakash and Veena Vidushi Geetha Shyam Prakash, and one more with my aunt, Karnataka Kalasri Dr. B.K. Vasanthalakshmi, and one in the dance pose with my always go-to dancing partner, Swathi Ravikiran.
Is there a piece, a margam, or a performance you're preparing for right now? Tell us what you're working on.
In December it will be 20 years since I performed my arangetram, and also 20 years since the passing of my dearest grandfather, and 20 years of dancing along with my dance partner. So Swathi and I will be presenting a full-fledged recital.
When a performance ends and you step off the stage, what is the one feeling you hope you've left behind in the audience?
I wish I have entertained the audience and that rasa uthpatthi has happened in the minds of the audience.
Contact and Follow
Email: shyam.ashwini@gmail.com
Instagram: ashwwinie
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ashwinishyam?si=G22KDNbDZR_BQOUx
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/xNMeXkTEQag?si=lLI2KspVWVe-ktgX
