Sakhi is the female companion of the protagonist in poetry and drama who often appears in Indian dance forms. Though the themes of dance are developed on the nayika-nayaka concept, presence of Sakhi is also reflected with equal importance. Sakhi plays an important part to accelerate the development of the theme of dance. Different attitude of Sakhis led to the broad classification and further demarcation of their roles and characteristics. Beyond this, analysis of different Sakhi characters from dance and drama according to the definitions based on the different friendship are given in this book. It helps one to identify any kind of companionship in the world.
Dr. Vidyalakshmi. E, is a well known Bharatanatyam exponent. She is from Payyanur, Kerala. Father Raghavan. A.U and mother Sarojini.E. She started her journey as a dancer at a very tender age under the guidance of her beloved sister and Guru, Dr. Latha Edavalath Kalamandalam. She has also been trained in Mohiniattam and Kuchipudi.
Dr. Vidyalakshmi completed her diploma in Bharatanatyam from Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai, did her graduation and post graduation at Lasya college of Music and Dance under I.K.S. University, Khairagarh, and was further awarded a Doctorate in Performing Arts by Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed University. She is Asst. Prof. of Bharatanatyam at Lasya College of Fine arts, Pilathara.
Dr. Vidyalakshmi takes keen interest in the practical as well as theoretical aspects of dance. She was groomed under eminent personalities of various art and cultural fields. She is an accomplished nattuvanar and choreographer and has performed in prestigious events.
Vidyalakshmi is the alumnus of CCRT, under ministry of culture Govt. of India, by securing Junior scholarship in Mohiniatta (1995), Senior scholarship in Bharatanatya (2005) and Junior fellowship in Bharatanatya (2021-2022).
Sakhi characters are found in poetry, drama, painting,dance etc. However, there are no studies in any of the above fields attempting classification of Sakhis based on their bond with the heroines. Generally, heroes or heroines are given prominence in dance. But no one has till now tried to bring forth the role of Sakhis who play roles as important as the heroines. This factor led me to think in this direction. This book is a part of my specific study on Sakhi research which is primarily focuses on Bharatanatya. It is with the great intention of scripting another book on Sakhī in Gīta Govinda, the chapter on Sakhī in Ashtapadi is not included in this book.
Being a member of a family traditionally involved in classical dance and being brought up in an environment of dance and literature, this writer developed an interest towards the idea of 'Importance of Sakhi characters in South Indian Classical dance'. As a consequence, Sakhi have been classified based on their importance and acting cum gestures suitable for them are formulated in this exploration.
Dr. Vidyalakshmi. E is a well-known Bharatnatyam dancer. She has also been trained in Mohiniattam and Kuchipudi dance styles. She takes keen interest in the practical as well as theoretical aspects of dance. Dr. Vidya has extensively worked on choreography and has also performed in prestigious events.
The present book- Sakhitatva in South Indian Classical Dances is her research work. Sakhi characters play significant role in classical dance forms. The different situations (avastha) and contexts of Nayak - Nayika play dynamic role in the presentation of Bhava in classical dance. This feature can also be found in the classical Sanskrit drama and other literatures. Occasionally the role of Sakhi comes out as one of the major characters in numerous compositions. This study largely looks into many facets associated with the Sakhi. The scholarly work on the role, character and presentation of Sakhi is a work of great merit that will undoubtedly benefit academicians, researchers, and performers. Its my earnest belief that this publication will enrich classical dance form specially Bharatnatyam.
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