Vijaya Prasad

🪔 About

Guru Smt. Vijaya Prasad is a distinguished luminary in the realm of Indian classical dance, having dedicated over five decades to mastering and propagating Kuchipudi. Born in Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, a coastal city close to the birthplace of Kuchipudi, she grew up in a household deeply immersed in creativity and artistry, with her parents being ardent patrons of classical dance and music. She received her initial training from eminent gurus including Guru Sri Vendantam Laxminarayana Sastry, Guru Sri Nageshwara Sarma, and Guru Gautam. She began learning from Guru Sri Vendantam Laxminarayana Sastry around 1952-53, at the age of six or seven. Early in her career, she formed a notable duo with her cousin, Mrs. Maruti Kesav, known across Andhra Pradesh as the "ANDHRA SISTERS." In the 1970s, Guru Vijaya Prasad relocated to Mumbai, Maharashtra, where Kuchipudi was largely unknown, with Bharatanatyam and Kathak being the dominant classical dance forms. Driven by a mission to popularize Kuchipudi, she founded the Kuchipudi Dance Academy in 1981. This institution became the first and only registered dance academy in Maharashtra dedicated to teaching Kuchipudi. She has been teaching Kuchipudi for over 40 years, following the Guru Shishya Parampara style and emphasizing "Devotion, Dedication, Determination, and Discipline" (the 4 D's) in her disciples. Her performances are characterized by a distinctive, elegant, and melodious style, with a repertoire that includes traditional Kuchipudi items like Tarangam and Tillana, as well as captivating portrayals in dance ballets such as "Gopi-Krishna" and "Shiva Parvati." Guru Vijaya Prasad views dance as a form of Yoga, believing it to be a means of worshipping God through Angika (body), Vachika (speech), and Satvika Bhava (emotion). Awards & Honours: Honored by Sri Venkatagiri Raja (1951), Natya Sundra Kala Pravina, Felicitated by Smt. Indira Gandhi and President of India, Shri Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy (1963), Honored by Telugu Fine Arts Society (TFAS) (2025).