Swetha Prasanna: Carrying the Kuchipudi legacy forward

For Kuchipudi artiste and teacher Swetha Prasanna, dance is far more than a performing art. It is a way of life—one that has shaped her identity, strengthened her connection with tradition and given her a purpose to share the richness of Kuchipudi with the next generation.

Her journey began in the small town of Kuppam, where a performance by a renowned classical dancer left a lasting impression on her at a very young age.

“I come from a small town called Kuppam, and my journey in classical dance began at a very young age,” says Swetha. “I was blessed to be the daughter of Sri Srinivasa Murthy and Smt. Gayatri Devi, whose love and support have always been a strong foundation in my journey.”

Inspired by what she witnessed on stage, Swetha began her training under her first Guru, Sri Uday Renuka garu. Her journey later took her to Bangalore, where she moved for her graduation and continued her Kuchipudi training under Smt. Manju Bhargavi ma’am. A few years later, she had the privilege of returning to her first Guru.

“This phase helped me further refine my technique and deepen my understanding of the nuances and aesthetics of Kuchipudi,” she recalls.

Even after marriage and the birth of her children, Swetha remained committed to both her family and her artistic pursuits. She completed her Master’s in Performing Arts from Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University while continuing her dance practice.

“Today, Kuchipudi is not merely an art form for me—it is a way of life,” she says.

Bangalore and the Kuchipudi Community

Bangalore has played a significant role in Swetha’s artistic development. She describes the city as a vibrant and welcoming space for classical dance, with senior gurus, established artistes, institutions and young learners contributing to its growth. “Bangalore has a very active and welcoming classical dance scene. Kuchipudi has a special place here, with many senior gurus, dancers, institutions and young learners contributing to its growth,” she says.

Over the years, she has performed on different platforms, taught students and worked towards introducing Kuchipudi to newer audiences. Through her dance school, she hopes to encourage young learners not only to perform but also to understand the tradition behind the art.

“I feel Bangalore has a wonderful mix of tradition and modern thinking. This gives Kuchipudi artists the opportunity to preserve the classical form while finding new and meaningful ways to connect with today’s audience,” she says.

Learning the Vempati Tradition

Swetha’s artistic journey has been deeply influenced by the Sri Dr. Padmabhushan Vempati Chinna Satyam Bani, which she has had the privilege of learning. She admires the tradition for its combination of grace, precision, technique and expression.

“What I love about this Bani is the beautiful combination of grace, precision, technique and expression,” she says.

With years of learning and performing, she says she has come to understand that a Bani is not simply about movements or technical perfection. It is also about communicating emotion and bringing out the aesthetic beauty of the art form.

Her exposure to other Banis has further enriched her appreciation of Kuchipudi.

“I feel every Bani has something unique to offer. Each carries the artistic vision, experience and contribution of the Guru who developed and nurtured it,” she says.

For Swetha, learning the Vempati Bani is both a privilege and a responsibility. “I want to stay true to the tradition I have learnt, while also allowing myself to grow as an individual artist,” she says. “When we respect the different traditions and learn from their richness, Kuchipudi becomes even more beautiful and continues to grow from one generation to the next.”

A Deeper Connection with Kuchipudi Village

During her Master’s in Performing Arts, Swetha had the opportunity to visit Kuchipudi village—the birthplace of the art form that has become such an integral part of her life.

“For me, it was a very emotional and special experience to be in the place where the art form I love was born,” she says.

The visit gave her a deeper connection with the history and traditions of Kuchipudi and reinforced her sense of responsibility towards preserving its legacy.

“It made me realise that Kuchipudi is not just something I learn and perform—it is a tradition that I feel personally connected to and want to carry forward,” she reflects.

‘Sri Bala’ and the Language of Abhinaya

Among her creative works, Sri Bala remains particularly close to her heart. The production portrays Goddess Lalitha Devi as the mother and Bala Tripura Sundari as her daughter, exploring their bond through Kuchipudi, abhinaya, music and storytelling.

“Sri Bala is not just a dance production; it is my personal reflection on the timeless bond between a mother and daughter,” she says.

Nurturing the Next Generation

Swetha founded Narthanam School of Kuchipudi with the intention of sharing the art form with younger generations. Teaching, she says, has become one of the most fulfilling aspects of her journey.

“Training my students and watching them grow as dancers has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey,” she says.

Her recently registered Tatvamasi Trust reflects a broader vision for arts and culture. Through the Trust, she hopes to create opportunities for young artistes, support meaningful artistic projects, organise performances and workshops, and contribute to preserving traditional arts.

Looking ahead, Swetha envisions a future where Kuchipudi continues to evolve while remaining firmly rooted in authenticity.

“My vision is to nurture dancers who can carry the authenticity of Kuchipudi with pride, connect with today’s audiences and take this beautiful tradition forward to the next generation,” she says.

For Swetha, the journey is ultimately one of gratitude—to God, her Gurus, her parents, her family and, especially, her husband.

“I would like to end by showing gratitude to God and my Gurus for blessing me with this journey in Kuchipudi, and thanks to my husband for his unconditional love and constant support. His faith in me has been my greatest strength,” she says.

As she continues to perform, teach and create, Swetha Prasanna remains committed to carrying Kuchipudi forward—with devotion to its roots, openness to its future and a deep belief in the transformative power of the arts.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anna Rao Gangavalli

Anna Rao Gangavalli[email protected]