Key Facts
Pasumarthi Pavani, a faculty member in the Department of Music at Acharya Nagarjuna University (ANU), has been chosen for the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2025. The award is instituted by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's apex body for performing arts, and will be conferred in the Nrutya Sangeetam category.
Details of the Achievement
The Yuva Puraskar recognizes young artists for their outstanding talent and promise in various performing arts disciplines. Ms. Pavani's selection highlights her contributions as a Carnatic vocalist, dance music composer, and educator. She is a graded artiste of All India Radio in Carnatic, devotional, and light music categories.
Early Life and Training
Born into a family with a rich musical and dance legacy, Ms. Pavani began her training at the age of five. She learned Carnatic music from her grandfather, the renowned musician and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Pasumarthi Venugopala Krishna Sarma. Simultaneously, she trained in Kuchipudi dance under her father Pasumarthi Srinivasulu, a Yakshagana exponent. Her entry into Kuchipudi dance music came at age 10 when she spontaneously sang alongside her father during a performance in Kuchipudi village, leading to her first collaboration.
Career and Contributions
Ms. Pavani holds a postgraduate degree in music from Andhra University and is currently pursuing doctoral research. She has performed across India and abroad, including in the U.S.A. and Canada, providing vocal support and composing music for numerous Kuchipudi dance ballets and Yakshagana productions. Over two decades, she has trained many students and currently serves as a faculty member at ANU. She credits her husband Mutnuri Siva Kumar for his unwavering support in balancing artistic pursuits, teaching, and family responsibilities.
Impact and Future Plans
Receiving the Yuva Puraskar inspires Ms. Pavani to pursue greater excellence and contribute to preserving and promoting cultural traditions. She dedicates the award to her parents and gurus, acknowledging the enriching associations with institutions like the Kuchipudi Art Academy and Shankar Mahadevan Academy.
FAQ
- Who is Pasumarthi Pavani? Pasumarthi Pavani is a music faculty member at Acharya Nagarjuna University and a Carnatic vocalist and Kuchipudi dance music composer.
- What award has she received? She has been selected for the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2025 by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in the Nrutya Sangeetam category.
- What is her background? She began learning Carnatic music at age five under her grandfather Pasumarthi Venugopala Krishna Sarma and Kuchipudi under her father Pasumarthi Srinivasulu.
Source: www.thehindu.com