Vedantam Chalapati

🪔 About

Dr. Vedantam Venkata Naga Chalapathi Rao, a distinguished figure in Indian classical dance, hails from the illustrious Vedantam family of Kuchipudi, known for its rich 'Natya Parampara' (dance inheritance). Born on August 25, 1975, in Kuchipudi village, Andhra Pradesh, he began his dance training at the tender age of five, initiated by his father, the renowned Guru Vedantam Rattayya Sarma. He received advanced training from legendary gurus including Vempati Chinna Satyam, Vedantam Satyanarayana Sarma, and his paternal uncles Vedantam Raghavayya and Vedantam Radhesyam. Chalapathi Rao holds a Post Graduate degree in dance and is a gold medal research scholar from Potti Sriramulu Telugu University, where he is also pursuing his PhD. He is a master of traditional female impersonation (Stri Vesham) in Kuchipudi natyam, and is equally adept at powerful masculine roles such as 'Hiranyakashipu' in Bhakta Prahalada ballet and 'Bali Chakravarthy' in Ksheerasagara Madanam. His performances have graced prestigious dance festivals across India, including Khajuraho and Ananya, and he has toured internationally to the US (with Vempati Chinna Satyam's troupe for over 70 shows), China, and Japan on ICCR-sponsored tours, sometimes serving as a nattuvannar. He has also collaborated with Vempati Chinna Satyam on films like "Temple" and "Swan." Dedicated to preserving and promoting Kuchipudi, Vedantam Venkata Naga Chalapathi Rao founded "Kuchipudi Kalaniketan" in Vijayawada for teaching and practice. He also serves as the President and Founder of the Kuchipudi Heritage Arts Society and is the Secretary of the same organization. Currently, he is a lecturer at the Siddhendra College of Dance in Kuchipudi. He contributes to the art form through writing articles for local papers and participating in seminars and lecture demonstrations. In December 2024, he conceptualized the Kuchipudi Natyapathaka Swarnotsavulu to commemorate 50 years of the Kuchipudi flag. Awards & Honours: Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (2006), Youth Torch Bearer, Samanvaya Puraskar.