P.N. Kumar

🪔 About

Acharya Parvati Kumar (born February 27, 1921, passed away November 29, 2012) was an influential Indian classical dancer, choreographer, and scholar, renowned for his mastery and dedication to Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Kathakali. He received his Bharatanatyam training under eminent gurus such as Guru Chandrashekhar Pillai, Guru Mahalingam Pillai, and Smt Maylapur Gauri Amma. His Kathakali tutelage was under Guru Karunakar Panikar, and he learned Kathak from Guru Ratikant Arya and Guru Sunder Prasad. Deeply involved in the field of dance for over six decades, Acharya Parvati Kumar choreographed more than twenty ballets and dance dramas between 1942 and 1983, including notable works like 'Rhythm of Culture', 'Dekh Teri Bambai', 'Discovery of India', and 'Krishna Leela'. He also choreographed for children's ballets and numerous Hindi and regional films. In 1968, he founded the 'Tanjavur Nrityashala' in Mumbai, establishing an institution dedicated to training students in the discipline of Bharatanatyam with a strong emphasis on theoretical knowledge and practical perfection. His extensive research on the Marathi Nirupanas (repertoires) of the Tanjavur Kings culminated in the publication of his seminal work, 'Tanjavur Nritya Prabandha', in 1982. Acharya Parvati Kumar's teaching methodology was characterized by meticulous attention to basic movements and a scholarly approach, shaping the careers of many professional dancers. Awards & Honours: Maharashtra State Award for Distinguished Service in the Cultural Field (1969), F. I. E. Foundation Awards for Ichalkaranji (1979), Akhil Bharatiya Natya Parishad (1980), Sangeet Natak Academy Award for Choreography (1981), Marathi Natya Parishad, Mumbai (1982), Sharangdev Fellowship (1990), Maharashtra Gaurav Puraskar (1990), Chaturang Life time achievement award.