New Delhi : An evening steeped in tradition and grace Prisha Mehtani, discipline of Priya Venkataraman , a Bharatnatyam exponent who performed in front of former US president Barack Obama presented her Arangetram, the debut solo Bharatanatyam recital at Triveni Kala Sangam.
The mesmerising performance was attended by an august audience of over 200 rasikas, art connoisseurs, cultural leaders, and members of the dance fraternity. The evening was further graced by distinguished guests including Vidushi
Rani Khanum, Kathak Exponent and guru and Ravindra Mishra, a dance critic .
Keeping in line with the Guru-Shishya bond in Indian classical dance learning, renowned Bharatanatyam dance guru and vocalist Priya Venkataraman felt honoured being present at Arangetram, a ceremonial debut of her disciple Pisha Mehtani a class XII student in the National Capital. She performed Pushpanjali, Jatiswaram, Varnam, Adinaye Kanna, Kancha forms of BharataNatyam.
Arangetram is a traditional ascendance of a disciple to stage for his or her debut public performance amid supervision and blessings of the guru.
“The performance, according to , should be seen as a sacred offering that promotes traditional form of learning in Bharatanatyam. Arangetram signifies an intense dialogue and bonding between the guru and the shishya, rooted in discipline and artistic depth.” Said Ms Priya Venkataraman while speaking on the occasion.
A versatile young, Prisha, a student at Delhi Public School embarked upon her journey in Bharatanatyam at the age of 11, inspired by the grace, discipline, and profound depth of this classical art form. Over the past five years, through every adavu, expression, and performance, Prisha has absorbed not only the technique and tradition of Bharatanatyam, but also invaluable life lessons.
With the blessings of her Guru, Prisha performed at the XIII International Folklore Festival and 21st Children Ethno Festival 2024 in Bulgaria, where she was awarded First Place in Classical Dance.
Beyond dance, Prisha aspires to pursue a career in science — a path that, much like Bharatanatyam, demands discipline and resilience. Her Arangetram marks not only a milestone in her artistic journey but also a celebration of dedication, learning, and the promise of new beginnings.
Prisha’s parents Aditi & Paresh Mehtani were present along with grandmother Sadhna Mehtani on the occasion .
Guru Priya Venkataraman is known for her adherence to the classical, traditional repertoire of Bharatanatyam. She received her early training under the esteemed Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan and continued her learning with Gurus A. Lakshman and Bragha Bessell.
Priya has had the opportunity to perform at some of the most prestigious venues across the globe. She has performed for the US President Barack Obama’s official visit to India in 2010; program for the Royal couple in Bhutan (2011); Black Arts Festival, Senegal; International Festival of Bangkok (2010); Jeonju Sori International Festival, South Korea; Festival of India, Bogota, Colombia; and has toured extensively in North America, West Indies, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, Europe, and Africa.