Ascend Jiva
Kalaimamani Guru Madurai R. Muralidharan: Weaving the rich tapestry of Indian culture through Bharatanatyam
Interview with Kalaimamani Guru Madurai R. Muralidharan and Kalaimangai Anbalagan
Kalaimamani Guru Madurai R. Muralidharan and Kalaimangai Anbalagan were interviewed by Aashita Shekhar from Ascend Jiva Media, where they reflected on their experiences bringing Vayuputra: The Son of the Wind to life and shared insights into their journey.​​​​
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Kalaimamani Guru Madurai R. Muralidharan’s Insights
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Emotional Journey of Vayuputra:
Guru Muralidharan recounted the tension he experienced during the first staging of Vayuputra and expressed his excitement about returning to Littleton with the production. Over the years, Vayuputra has become a global phenomenon, performed in Toronto, New York, New Jersey, Boston, and California. The success of the production has allowed him to fully embrace its artistic and emotional depth.
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Inspiration Behind Hanuman’s Character:
Highlighting Hanuman’s timeless appeal, Guru Muralidharan explained that the production’s central character spans across Treta Yuga, Dwapara Yuga, and continues into the present Kalyuga. He believes that Hanuman’s story of resilience, service, and devotion is especially relevant for today’s generation, helping instill cultural values through dance.
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Connection with Kalaimangai Anbalagan:
Reflecting on his partnership with Kalaimangai Anbalagan, Guru Muralidharan praised her dedication and patience, qualities he considers essential for a dance teacher. He also shared his own unexpected journey into Bharatanatyam, having initially aspired to be a pilot before discovering his true passion. -
Future Projects:
Guru Muralidharan revealed his next creative venture—a production inspired by the works of the legendary poet Kalidasa, which he is eagerly developing.
Kalaimangai Anbalagan’s Reflections
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Mixed Emotions About the Performance:
Kalaimangai Anbalagan, founder of AmudhaSri Dance School, spoke about the emotional rollercoaster leading up to the event. Her nervousness was eased by Guru Muralidharan’s reassuring presence, as well as her faith in Lord Hanuman and her guru’s blessings. She shared her joy at the sold-out performance, calling it a testament to the collective effort of her team and students.
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Trusting in Divine Power:
Emphasizing her trust in the divine, Kalaimangai reflected on how her faith helped her manage the challenges of such a large-scale production. She expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from her students, team, and community.
Ascend Jiva Media Insight
Through this inspiring interview, Ascend Jiva Media captures the profound dedication and spiritual essence behind Vayuputra: The Son of the Wind. The collaboration between Kalaimamani Guru Madurai R. Muralidharan and Kalaimangai Anbalagan highlights the transformative power of art in preserving cultural values. Their reflections remind us of the significance of trust, devotion, and resilience in bringing a vision to life.
Ascend Jiva Media continues to celebrate stories that elevate consciousness and foster connections through art and culture.
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About Guru Madurai R. Muralidharan
Guru Madurai R. Muralidharan, a Guinness World Record holder and founder of Nrithyakshethra Dance Academy in Chennai, is a globally celebrated Bharatanatyam exponent with over four decades of experience.
He has choreographed and composed over 1,000 original works, blending tradition with contemporary themes in acclaimed productions like Ramanujar, Shivoham, and Vayuputra: The Son of the Wind. In 2019, he set a Guinness World Record for directing the largest Bharatanatyam performance with 7,190 dancers.
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Nrithyakshethra Dance Academy, under his leadership, has become a hub of excellence, training thousands of students who uphold the classical art form. Recognized internationally, he has performed on prestigious stages worldwide and earned accolades such as the Tamil Nadu Government's Kalaimamani award.
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A visionary artist, Guru Muralidharan strives to make Bharatanatyam accessible and relevant to modern audiences while maintaining its classical essence. Through his compositions, productions, and teaching, he continues to inspire a new generation of artists to uphold and innovate within this sacred tradition.
Guru Madurai R. Muralidharan’s life and work epitomize dedication, creativity, and excellence in Bharatanatyam, ensuring that this timeless art form thrives for generations to come.
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Ascend Jiva Media Channel is a transformative and enlightening platform curated by the visionary Aashita Shekhar. Its mission is to serve as a beacon of inspiration and spiritual enlightenment, offering a dynamic range of content that empowers individuals to elevate their consciousness and embark on a profound journey of self-discovery.
Ascend Jiva Media Channel also distinguishes itself with its engaging reviews of movies, events and documentaries that are not just entertaining, but also have the power to uplift and transform. These reviews offer a unique perspective, highlighting the underlying spiritual and consciousness-expanding themes within these cinematic works. It serves as a guide for viewers seeking not only entertainment but also enlightenment through their choice of media