Sampath Kumar D.Y.

🪔 About

Dasari Yethiraja Sampath Kumar (1927–1999), widely recognized as D. Y. Sampath Kumar, was a distinguished Indian classical and folk dancer and choreographer, affectionately known as "Andhra Jalari" or Fisherman of Andhra Pradesh. Born on November 20, 1927, he dedicated his life to the rich and ancient traditions of South Indian dance and music. His comprehensive early training included instrumental music and dance; he received instruction in Veena from Sri Peri Narasimha Shastry and in Bharatanatyam from Duvvuri Jagannadha Sarma. Sampath Kumar became a versatile exponent of several prominent Indian dance forms, including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Yakshagana, and various folk dances. His illustrious career was marked by thousands of captivating performances, which he presented with brilliant embellishments across numerous states in India and in many countries internationally. These performances often drew significant acclaim, with notable appearances before dignitaries such as President Dr. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Pandit Nehru, and Indira Gandhi. A pivotal moment in his career was the establishment of Sri Geetha Nrithya Kalasala (also referred to as Sri Geetha Nrithya Kala Mandir) in Vizianagaram in 1955. This institution served as a vital platform for him to impart his profound knowledge and passion for dance to aspiring artists. In 1957, his innovative "Jalari fisherman dance" garnered him the first prize and the honorary title "Andhra Jalari" at a festival competition held in Delhi under the auspices of the Akhila Bharata Praja Nritya Mandali (IPTA). Further significant recognition followed in 1961 when his Sanskrit dance drama 'Abhiganana Sakuntalam' was awarded the prestigious "Suvarna Kalasam" (a first prize valued at Rs. 5000/-) at the All India Kalidasa Jayanti Festival celebrations in Ujjaini, sponsored by the A.P Sangeeta Nataka Academy. Sampath Kumar also enriched the dance repertoire with his own compositions, including "Sangeetha Devi," "Okka Deepam," and "Siva-Parvathi". He passed away on May 21, 1999, leaving behind a significant legacy in Indian classical and folk dance. Awards & Honours: Andhra Jalari (1957), Suvarna Kalasam (1961).