Padma Shri Leela Samson:
Grace in Motion

Padma Shri Leela Samson, a Bharatanatyam virtuoso and choreographer, is a name synonymous with grace and dedication in the world of classical dance. Even before she speaks, her warmth shines through her expressive eyes and graceful demeanor. Her soft, tender voice exudes a sense of welcome and serenity. Effortlessly beautiful just the way she is, she embodies poise and authenticity. A celebrated artist and cultural ambassador, her work has transcended borders, inspiring generations with its timeless beauty and profound impact.

As one of the recipients, Leela expressed her gratitude for being included in this prestigious lineup of artists. “It’s wonderful to see such a diverse group of artists celebrated. The thoughtfulness behind this festival is commendable,” she said with warmth and humility.

Leela, known for her eloquence both on and off stage, lauded the festival’s audience for their warmth and engagement. “The crowd’s energy enhances the artists’ performances and makes events like these memorable,” she added.

Padma Shri
Chitra Visweswaran: Divinity in Dancing

Padma Shri Chitra Visweswaran started learning Bharatanatyam at the tender age of 3 and has performed at India’s major dance festivals and overseas. She has won numerous awards and currently runs the Chidambaram Academy of Performing Arts.

She says, “My love for dance, it’s a love beyond everything, I always loved to move, to react to dance, watch dance and it has been like that since I have been a young child. It has made me realise that for one’s creativity and expression through dance, the sky is the limit. Dance to me is a language. My mother used to say that when she conceived me she used to attend dance performances and specially when the Thillana was being done, I used to do a jolly dance within her womb.

Some of my favourite programs are ‘Swadeshanjali’ for BBC UK, ‘SNEHA’ a secular human values-based production which was first presented in Doha, Qatar at a time when Bharatnatyam had never been presented there before, ‘Akshayadhara’ a collaborative work commissioned by the National Academy of Sciences, presenting the Ramayana for the king and queen of Malaysia and more.

She said, “Every artiste is delighted when their life’s work is recognized and lauded, when you receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, it makes you ruminate and awakens me to the fact all is not over and there is a future.

“I have never found any constraints in my art form. It’s only when you look at the arts superficially that you imagine it is restrictive. As you dive deeper, you realize there are no limitations. Drink deep of knowledge, which gives you freedom.”

Padma Shri Badrappan:
Elevating Folk Dance

87-year-old Padma Shri Badrappan is a Valli Oyil Kummi proponent and was delighted to receive the award and said,“The award was something that we never expected. I am very happy that you have given such an opportunity to elevate folk art. We had not expected this kind of appreciation.

“I started dancing at the age of 22 and have taught many in my village. We have given a large number of performances for Kovai Vaanoli, Podhigai, Bharathiyar University, Avinashalingam Chettiar College and more.
“This is an ancient art form that has been created and passed down by our forefathers. It does not use any musical instruments other than the anklets tied to the legs. You have to sing simultaneously as you dance and this comprises mouth movements and well-co-ordinated, leg, hand and body movements.
“Folk art was the first form of Bharatanatyam. I cannot pick a favourite performance, all that I can say is that whatever we did, we did well. So far, it has been mostly stories from the Puranas that have been featured but I want the art to become more universal and write new songs to suit today’s world, for instance Bharathiar’s life history can be expressed through this dance.”

Padma Shri R Muthukannammal:
Preserving Sadir The Sacred Dance

R. Muthukannammal is the only surviving member among the 32 Devadasis who served the deity at the Viralimalai Murugan Temple. In 2022, the Government of India honored her with the Padma Shri award.

She says, “Our family has been into Sadir for the past 6 generations. I have been dancing since the age of 5 and the Pottukattuthal ceremony of dedicating oneself to God was performed at the Viralimalai Murugan Temple.

“Our family was known as the Sadir family and we taught the art to the rest. Initially, there was no Bharatanatyam, there was only Sadir and we have performed before the Maharaja who gave us land. I have given performances at many weddings and festivals some for 10 days. However, we would never performence at our village’s festival. It used to be spectacular, there were no mikes, we had to sing and dance simultaneously. We also used to dance at houses of zamindars and they used to reward us handsomely.

“For a dancer to pick up the nuances of the art, the time frame can range from six months to years, it depends on how interested and enthusiastic they are. There was nothing written down. We learnt everything orally.”

Kalaimamani Delhi Ganesh:
A Legacy of Laughter & Art

The late Kalaimamani Delhi Ganesh, a stalwart of Indian cinema, left an indelible mark on the world of acting. In what turned out to be his final interview, the veteran actor expressed profound gratitude for receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from Provoke Lifestyle. “I’m truly happy to be recognized among such talented individuals. Although I couldn’t attend the event due to my health, I deeply appreciate the team for honouring me at my home,” he said, his voice tinged with emotion.

Ganesh’s artistic journey was as inspiring as his performances. Recalling his early days in the Indian Air Force, he shared a defining moment that shaped his career. “We used to perform dramas for wounded soldiers. Once, I forgot my dialogue during a play and was playfully hit on the head by a co-actor. My humorous reaction made the audience laugh, and they thought it was intentional. That applause lit a spark in me,” he reminisced with a smile.
Ganesh’s talent for portraying relatable, authentic characters stemmed from his keen observational skills—a quality he attributed to his father and grandfather. “They had a knack for mimicking people they met. That ability to notice the little things inspired my own approach to acting,” he said.

The actor pursued his passion through Delhi Nadaga Sabha before joining Kathadi Ramamurthy’s troupe, where his craft flourished. Over the years, he became a cherished figure in Tamil cinema, known for his versatility and depth.
Even in his later years, Ganesh remained discerning about his projects. He was working on a film with Sasikumar and a Hindi web series, Chiko, alongside actor Prakash Raj and Gauthami.

Delhi Ganesh’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy endures through his unforgettable performances and the lives he touched. His last words during the interview echo the spirit of an artist who lived for his craft: “Acting has been my life, and I’m grateful for every moment spent bringing characters to life.”

Kalaimayam S.S. Kalairaani:
Bridging the Classical & Contemporary

S.S. Kalairaani, a star in the world of theatre and acting, has dedicated her life to exploring the vast canvas of performing arts. Her name instantly evokes memories of her captivating expressions and her ability to own every role she portrays. Most recently, she delivered a powerful performance in the film Kanguva, further cementing her reputation as an exceptional artist.

Theatre stalwart and accomplished actress, S.S. Kalairaani, embraced her moment in the spotlight with grace as she received her award. “It’s heartening to see a festival curated by an artist like Ashwini Sam Paul. It’s a boon for many in the art community.”

She views classical and contemporary art as two sides of the same coin. “Classical art forms are the roots. Mastery over them allows us to branch out into contemporary or folk art,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of strong fundamentals.

Reflecting on her deep connection with Chennai’s iconic The Madras Music Academy, she recalled performing her play Gas 2 there and witnessing countless memorable performances. Receiving the award at the same venue alongside her seniors was “a surreal and joyous moment.”

Kalairaani credited her journey to her family, friends, and students, especially mentors like Sadanand Menon and Kalaiselvan. “My students are my greatest motivation. I work differently to inspire them and push boundaries,” she said, signing off with a wish for the festival’s continued growth and support for young talents.

Padma Bhushan Dr. T.V. Gopalakrishnan:
A Lifelong Journey in Music

Born into a family of musicians, Dr. T.V. Gopalakrishnan has dedicated his life to the art form. “I live for music,” he declared with conviction. As one of India’s earliest jazz composers in film music, he has left a permanent mark on the industry. His groundbreaking compositions have been performed in prestigious venues such as St. Andrew’s Church, The Music Academy, and various sabhas. His book, The Art of Playing Mridangam, is a valuable resource for aspiring percussionists.

Reflecting on his global journey, he shared his experiences performing with luminaries like George Harrison and Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar in America and Europe. “I admire all musicians, especially those who perform for large audiences. Great artists are often well-trained and groomed to handle the demands of big stages. To sustain stardom requires consistent effort, discipline, and excellence. Without effort, fame fades quickly,” he added.
An accomplished mridangam player, Dr. T.V. Gopalakrishnan has also contributed to music education. However, he pointed out the lack of manuals or guides for performing Indian music, particularly in classical and light music. “Fields like AI or chartered accountancy have structured training, but in music, especially performance, there’s nothing like that. I’m planning to research and develop a thesis on these topics,” he said.
He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Provoke and found the event very well-organized with talented musicians, deserving awardees, and a beautiful venue and podium.

As Dr. T.V. Gopalakrishnan continues to inspire the next generation of musicians, his commitment to innovation and excellence in music remains unwavering—a true testament to his enduring legacy.

Kalaimamani Rajkumar Bharathi:
A Torchbearer of Musical Heritage

Rajkumar Bharathi, is a Carnatic vocalist from Tamil Nadu and one of the most popular artists of today’s generation. He is the great grandson of Mahakavi Subrahmanya Bharathi and learnt vocal music from his mother, Lalitha Bharathi and later Valliyur Gurumurthi, Dr Balamuralikrishna, and Sangita Kalanidhi Dr T.V. Gopalakrishnan. He is the recipient of many awards.

He believes, “Music is a boon to mankind. Classical music is a tradition that has existed for so long and we are all steeped in that. Our family background and culture have roles to play. Music means peace, music means joy, music is a great healer. Classical forms have deep-rooted grammar which helps me to understand the depth of music. As we go inside that depth, the individual style also comes out as a natural result.

“I am very happy and feel honored to have received the award from Provoke. I think I was born a musician. That included both singing and composing. At 5, I hummed some song that I had listened to earlier and from there it took off and similarly with composing.

“To me all the works that I do are musically of the same calibre only. Each music the word piece is for some album or for a dance production or something else after and some may become better known than the others but to me there’s no such division.

“My current work revolves mostly around dance projects, and some occasional new attempts. My wish is that I and music are always together till the end.”

Gangai Amaran:
A Versatile Genius

Gangai Amaran is an Indian composer, playback singer, lyricist, actor, film director and a screenwriter in Tamil cinema and the brother of Maestro Ilayaraja. “Music runs in my family. My father was a good singer and a drama artiste. His friends would put up plays and so on seeing this my brother started too and I joined in. My parents used to encourage us to sing unlike typical parents who would ask their children study instead of spending time on this.

“I felt very proud to receive the award. When I received it along with other achievers including my Guru, rather than feeling pride that I had come so far, I felt a responsibility. We work but don’t expect anything. The reward is that if you look at a song or direction of a film, once its recorded, it stays for posterity.

“Besides film songs, I have written many literary songs too. Amman Koil Kizhakalai songs had a literary touch and were good. Since I also wrote commercial songs and these became more popular like ‘Yey aatha aathorama,’ I was branded so.

“I liked Ilayaraja’s style of organization and the melody of MS Viswanathan and his tunes and used a mix of this. There was a comparison with my brother but I would take a conscious effort to be a little different from him. I only wanted to do good songs and not create a signature style. I did what came naturally.

“With Karagattakaran, I got an opportunity to direct and I never miss opportunities. I adapt to technology easily but I use real instruments, I don’t believe in using machines for everything. I like all the songs I have done.”

Veena Vidushi Hemalatha Mani:
A Lifetime in Harmony

Hemalatha Mani, an icon in Veena music for over five decades, expressed her heartfelt gratitude upon receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Provoke Art Festival. “This award is for my parents, Guru Dr. Chitti Babu, and my beloved husband, Mr. Mani,” she said emotionally.

Having faced visual impairment early in life, Hemalatha turned to music with the unwavering support of her family. “Music became my refuge and my strength,” she shared. Her husband, a marine engineer, became her rock, encouraging her artistry and accompanying her through global tours. “Though he isn’t physically with me now, I feel his presence and blessings always,” she said, her voice filled with emotion.

Awards like these, she believes, inspire and energize artists. “Recognition is a tonic to move forward. It also encourages future generations to pursue their passion,” she added. Wishing the festival continued success, she signed off with hope and gratitude.

Kalaimamani: K.N. Ramaswamy
Championing Culture Through Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan

K.N. Ramaswamy, Deputy Director and Head of the Chennai Chapter of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan made a life-altering decision at 60,“After 20 years in corporates and advertising, I felt the urge to contribute to a social movement and joined Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan,” he shared.

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, a cultural movement that fosters Indian traditions through education and the arts, operates 350 institutions across India. The Chennai Chapter, headquartered in Mylapore, is a vibrant hub of activity. He says,“We rebuilt our auditorium to a 500-seat capacity, and it serves as a space for the best artists to perform. It’s also a venue for various cultural events, with all admissions being free.

“We also have 600 students learning art forms like veena, piano, violin, mridangam, and various dance styles on a part-time basis. We also offer free computer classes for the economically underprivileged and teach Sanskrit and Hindi to help connect people with their roots,” he added.

He has an eye for talent and ensures the right artists are given platforms. “My job is to coordinate, build relationships with artists, and decide who should perform or be encouraged. It’s fulfilling to see the public enter Bhavan and feel like they’re stepping into a temple of culture,” he added.

His association with Provoke Lifestyle’s Art Festival brought a sense of pride. “It’s wonderful to be recognized alongside my colleagues. The festival featured many young talents, which is heartening. Our vision aligns with theirs—celebrating and sustaining the arts.”

The Bhavan’s leadership, including luminaries like N. Ravi (Director, The Hindu), K. Parasaran (former Attorney General), Nalli Kuppuswamy Chetti, Justice Jagadeesan, and others, has been instrumental in supporting its mission. “We have a strong committee deeply invested in art and culture,” he said.
“For us, every effort is about fostering a family of arts. It’s a joy to be part of such a meaningful journey,” he concluded.