The 32nd Margazhi Mahotsav of Bharat Kalachar was inaugurated at YGP Auditorium, T Nagar on Saturday by founder and director of Shree Bharatalaya, Sudharani Raghupathy. The event was presided over by scholar Prema Pandurang. The festival will be held till 8 January, 2019.
Inaugurating the festival, Sudharani Raghupathy, said, “I have been part of Bharat Kalachar all these years in the advisory committee. This stage is also lucky for me as I have staged all my productions here for the first time. I am so honoured to inaugurate this wonderful festival of music, dance and theatre which is one of the most unique festivals in the country.”
On the occasion, Bharat Kalachar awards were also presented. The sabha honoured Veena artiste S Rajeswari with Gnana Kala Bharathi, vocalist Nithyasree Mahadevan and Veena B Kannan with Viswa Kala Bharathi.
Actor and director K Bhagyaraj was given the Natya Kaladhar award. Acharya Kala Bharathy was presented to Srekala Bharath, Kala Seva Bharathi to Madurai Muralidharan and Abbas Karthick. K Balachander Trophy for Artistic Excellence was awarded to Suhasini Maniratnam.
“It is a very important day in my life because I have received the Yuva Kala Bharathi, Sangeetha Kala Bharathi and now I have received the Vishwa Kala Bharathi. I consider these three awards equal to Padmashri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. I also feel that apart from getting the award artistes like us also should take the art to greater heights,” said Venna Kannan.
K Bhagyaraj released the annual souvenir of Bharat Kalachar. Seven Yuva Kala Bharathi awards were given to upcoming talents.
“I would like to thank our advisory committee who have selected the awardees in different categories. We respect artistes for their talent and I would also like to thank the people for their support shown towards arts, dance and music and it is thriving only because of the huge audience base,” said secretary of Bharat Kalachar, Y Gee Mahendra.