Born: 1969 (Hyderabad, India)
Biography:
Savitha Sastry (born 11 December 1969) is an Indian dancer and choreographer widely recognized for her groundbreaking contributions to the art form of Bharatanatyam. Known for her innovative approach that explores theme-based productions inspired by novel stories rather than traditional Indian mythology or religion, Sastry has been praised for her path-breaking work in redefining the presentation of Bharatanatyam.
Sastry was born Savitha Subramaniam in Hyderabad and later moved to Mumbai before eventually settling in Chennai, her family’s hometown. Her journey in Bharatanatyam began under the guidance of Guru Mahalingam Pillai at the Sri Rajarajeswari Bharatha Natya Kala Mandir in Mumbai. She further honed her skills under the tutelage of renowned artists Adyar K Lakshman and the Dhananjayans in Chennai.
Completing her schooling at the P.S Senior Secondary School in Chennai, Sastry pursued her higher education at Stella Maris College. In 1986, she made her debut as the lead dancer in the Tamil film Ananda Tandavam, a production by her Guru Adyar K Lakshman. Sastry’s passion for Bharatanatyam led her to continue her studies in the United States, where she pursued a Master’s degree in neuroscience.
During the initial phase of her career, spanning the 1980s, 1990s, and the early 2000s, Sastry predominantly performed traditional repertoires of Bharatanatyam. Known for her technical prowess and remarkable kinetic abilities, she captivated audiences with her graceful performances and flawless execution. Hamsa Venkat, a Sydney-based critic, remarked on Sastry’s crisp nritta (pure dance), clean lines, and flawless aramandi, describing her as a breath of fresh air, and truly inspirational for students of dance. The Audition Panel of the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival further praised her mesmerizing depiction, stating that she moves like a temple sculpture come to life.
However, it was in 2009 that Sastry embarked on a new artistic direction, diverging from the traditional margam format and delving into theme-based productions. These productions, which showcased contemporary and original storylines, distinguished Sastry as a visionary artist who pushed the boundaries of Bharatanatyam. Rejecting the conventional focus on the nayika (the heroine) longing for love or pieces centered on Bhakti (devotion), Sastry expertly portrayed multiple characters as a solo performer.
Some of Sastry’s most notable productions include Music Within (2010), Soul Cages (2012), The Prophet: Destiny. Divinity. Doubt, and Chains: Love Stories of Shadows (2015). These performances showcased Sastry’s exceptional talent for storytelling and her ability to convey complex emotions through her dance.
Sastry’s innovative choreography and thematic approach have received widespread acclaim, with critics hailing her as a trailblazer in the field. Her contributions to Bharatanatyam have been compared to those of Rukmini Devi Arundale, the legendary dancer who revolutionized the presentation of the art form. Sastry’s work has not only redefined the boundaries of Bharatanatyam but has also inspired a new generation of artists to explore innovative storytelling through dance.