Sapta Tandavam brings Shiva’s cosmic dance alive through Kuchipudi, Kakatiyam in Hyderabad

Classical dance production ‘Sapta Tandavam’, conceived and choreographed by Padma Shri awardee Padmaja Reddy, was presented by the Pranava Institute of Kuchipudi at Ravindra Bharathi in Hyderabad, bringing together Kuchipudi and Kakatiyam traditions to depict different manifestations of Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance.

Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla attended the programme along with Jitender Reddy, Burra Venkatesham, Vani Prasad and other guests from the fields of art, culture and public service.

The production presented different manifestations of Shiva’s Tandavam, including Ananda Tandavam, Sandhya Tandavam, Tripura Tandavam, Kali Tandavam, Uma Tandavam, Muni Tandavam, Samahara Tandavam and Anugraha Tandavam, before concluding with Shiva Priyam.

A key feature of the production was the interpretation of the Tandavas through two distinct dance traditions, Kuchipudi and Kakatiyam. While Kuchipudi relied on fluid movements, expressive storytelling, footwork and abhinaya, the Kakatiyam presentations drew inspiration from the sculptural heritage of the Kakatiya period, particularly the carvings of the Ramappa Temple.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla appreciated Padmaja Reddy’s efforts in training nearly 100 dancers for the production and said the recreation of Ramappa Temple sculptures and the presentation of the 108 Karanas reflected Telangana’s cultural legacy.