Natya Thoranam mesmerises Hyderabad: Five classical dance forms and grand jugalbandi dazzle audience at Shilpakala Vedika

HYDERABAD NOV 17 (RNI) The spectacular presentation of five different classical dance forms along with a captivating jugalbandi enthralled the audience at Shilpakala Vedika on Sunday night. Organised for the past five years by the Amrita Cultural Trust, this annual dance festival once again fascinated the people of Hyderabad. Nearly two-and-a-half hours, dancers performed Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Mohiniyattam, Odissi and Jugalbandi. With more than 40 dancers showcasing their impressive artistry, the auditorium echoed with continuous applause.

Speaking on the occasion, Rajesh Pagadala, Managing Trustee of Amrita Cultural Trust, said.

“Only because of the immense love and encouragement from the audience have we been able to conduct Natya Thoranam in Hyderabad all these years. This is yet another milestone for us. The effort we put in over years — rehearsals, planning, sleepless nights — everything has come together like a garland to create Natya Thoranam. Today, we extend our heartfelt gratitude and warmly welcome everyone to the fifth annual Natya Thoranam. What we are showcasing today is not just dance… it is five years of dedication, growth, and collective success.

When we conceptualised Natya Thoranam for the first time, our vision was very clear — this should not remain just another dance event. It should be a platform that honours classical traditions, brings diverse art forms together, and offers young dancers a stage worthy of their talent. We believed in this, and we achieved it. A meaningful idea can transform into a powerful institution — that is what Amrita Cultural Trust has become.”

Trustee Bhargavi Pagadala said:

“In these five years, we have provided opportunities to more than 700 young dancers across seven classical dance forms. Over 50 dance schools and more than 25 distinguished gurus trust our vision. As Amrita Cultural Trust enters a new chapter, we remain focused and enthusiastic.

In the next five years, we aim to expand to more cities, more schools, and give more young artists the opportunity to perform. We will offer not only performances but also workshops, masterclasses, training programmes, and year-round learning opportunities. Through scholarships and mentorships, we will support young artists in their artistic journeys. With associations with gurus, dance schools and cultural institutions, we will curate even more impactful initiatives.

Our dream is to make Natya Thoranam a nationally recognised cultural identity — a prestigious platform where young artists can showcase their talent with pride.

I still remember the day we hosted the first Natya Thoranam. A small, enthusiastic team came forward with a big dream. We didn’t have a grand stage or hundreds of dancers — all we had was passion and belief. Today, we stand with new-generation artists trained by revered gurus, hundreds of appreciative audiences, young dancers ready to perform with confidence, proud parents moved to tears watching their children grow, and elders who continue to support us with immense affection. We hope your blessings and encouragement remain with us always.”