Parvati Kimar

🪔 About

Acharya Parvati Kumar (February 27, 1921 – November 29, 2012) was a highly influential Indian classical dancer, choreographer, scholar, and Bharatanatyam guru. He received early training in Bharatanatyam under Guru Chandrashekhar Pillai, and also learned compositions from Guru Mahalingam Pillai and Smt. Mylapore Gauri Amma. His diverse training extended to Kathakali under Guru Karunakar Panikar and Kathak from Guru Ratikant Arya and Guru Sunder Prasad. A Sanskrit scholar, Parvati Kumar possessed deep knowledge of classical texts such as Bharata's Natya Shastra and Nandikesvara's Abhinaya Darpanam, which profoundly influenced his teaching and creative work. Between 1942 and 1983, he choreographed over twenty ballets, including acclaimed works like "Rhythm of Culture," "Dekh Teri Bambai," and "Discovery of India." He also choreographed dance sequences for several Hindi films between 1950 and 1968. In 1968, Acharya Parvati Kumar founded the 'Tanjavur Nrityashala' in Mumbai, an institution dedicated to training students in the discipline of Bharatanatyam, emphasizing rigorous adherence to classical texts and integrating theoretical knowledge with practical training. His significant research included an in-depth study of the Marathi Nirupanas (repertoires) composed by the Tanjavur Kings, particularly Serfoji Maharaj II, which culminated in the publication of his book 'Tanjavur Nritya Prabandha' in 1982 and their subsequent choreography into dance form. Another key contribution to Bharatanatyam was his choreography of the entire classical Sanskrit text, the 'Abhinaya Darpanam', presented in 1986 and 1992. He was known for his meticulous teaching style, insisting on perfection in basic movements and fostering students with both technical prowess and theoretical insight. Acharya Parvati Kumar passed away on November 29, 2012, at the age of 94, leaving behind a significant legacy in Indian classical dance. His wife, Sumati, was also a dancer and teacher. 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 Akademi Award for Choreography (1981), Marathi Natya Parishad, Mumbai (1982), Sharangdev Fellowship (1990), Maharashtra Gaurav Puraskar (1990), Nritya Maharshi, Chaturang Life time achievement award.