Vempati Chinna Satyam – Celebrated artist who gave new definition to Kuchipudi

Vempati Chinna Satyam (1929 – 2012) was a master of Kuchipudi dance form born in the Kuchipudi village, Kuchipudi. He played a magnificent role in popularizing this dance form across the globe in the second half of the 20^th century. He is also known for refining this art form, bringing it closer to the standards of Natya Shastra, apart from adding new elements like Chari or leg movements. He was honoured with Padma Bhushan in 1998 and Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in 1967 by government of India, apart from numerous honorary titles by different dance institutions across the country.

Vempati Chinna Satyam was born into a family of artists and initially trained by Vedantam Lakshmi Narayana Sastry, followed by Sri Tadepally Perrayya Sastry and his cousin Vempati Pedda Satyam. When he turned 18 he came to Chennai to pursue a career in films as a choreographer, but got influenced with Vedantam Lakshminarayana Sastri, and became his student. In those days Kuchipudi was not so popular, not even considered as a traditional dance form. He started his professional career as a performer and choreographer at Kuchipudi Art Academy, which he established at Chennai in 1963.

Over a span of three decades he composed and choreographed more than 180 solo items and 15 dance dramas in Kuchipudi, thus giving immense contributions to this field. He also performed in most of these items in lead role apart from solo ones. He is widely regarded as one of the great teachers of his time, also known for his outstanding contributions towards the field.

Vempati Chinna Satyam – Some interesting and less-known facts

1. Sri Krishna Parijatham was his first choreographed dance drama followed by Ksheera Sagara Madanam.

2. His performance and portrayal of Lord Siva earned him popularity.

3. He trained in expressions from his elder cousin Vempati Pedda Satyanarayana.

4. He made a deep study of Natyasastra and similar texts which helped him to incorporate new elements to his choreographed art pieces.

5. He also classified and co-related each choreographed work with Natyasastra, and brought an order to solo performances in lines with Bharatnatyam.

6. He also renovated aharya and costumes, and the classical elements were given high preference.

7. He was honoured with Kalaimamani by government of Tamil Nadu.

8. He was honored with an honorary Doctorate by Andhra University.

9. He has played the role of young Lava, Kusha, Lohitasya and Prahlada on stage during his childhood days, followed by the female roles of Satyabhama and Gollabhama.

10. Kuchipudi artists like Shanta Rao, Yamini Krishnamurty, Sonal Maningh, Manju Bhargavi, Lakshmi Viswanathan, Swapnasundari etc were trained under him.

11. Film stars like Vyjayanthimala, Hema Malini, Jayalalithaa, Meenakshi Sheshadri etc have learnt under him. In fact he owned countless students from India and those settled abroad.

12. He has choreographed songs for N.T.R Telugu movie, ‘Narthanasala’.

13. He was known for introducing new trends in Kuchipudi, and not confined only to men.