Chennai: When artistes in the city suburbs were sidelined without a place to perform, it is the Chrompet Cultural Academy (CCA) in the city suburb, that came to their rescue.
Nagarajan, the joint secretary of CCA, that helped artists and gave them a space to showcase their talents, speaks to News Today.
“All the major sabhas are located in T Nagar, Mylapore and other places of cultural importance. Even then, around 300 artists took the pain to travel all the way from here to wherever they were given opportunities. Seeing their plight, around eight of us discussed and founded the Chrompet Cultural Academy in 1969,” says Nagarajan.
Post the formation of CCA, the funds began to improve, a land was acquired in Chrompet and the members built an auditorium in 1983.
“Our key focus is helping in conducting dramas, dance and music kutcheris and other activities. In addition, we are among the few sabhas which owns an auditorium,” adds Nagarajan.
Owing to its devotion and dedication to the field of arts, the academy has won the Best Sabha award several times since its inception. The space has also hosted several eminent artists like Crazy Mohan and Bombay Gnanam, it is learnt.
“The first ever event that happened in our premises was of Dr D K Pattamal, it was truly delightful and a treat to everyone,” he continues.
Talking about one of the cherished moments, Nagarajan says,”Our stage has seen three generations of the YG family. It all started with Y G Parthasarathy, then came YG Mahendran and his daughter YG Madhuvanti. All of them have performed here. We are proud to have hosted their shows in our own locality.”
The sabha gets busy during the Margazhi season, when 12 shows will be held. Recently, the team received a huge response for staging ‘Washingtonil Thirumanam’, an old script, yet one that stood out among new-age families.
It should also be noted that saints like Kanchi Sankaracharya and Ahobila Mutt Jeeyers have visited CCA during several occasions.
Having hosted numerous cultural programmes, the academy is open to helping children learn art free of cost and is on the lookout for teachers to facilitate the same.
Nagarajan can be reached at 9444690174.