T.N. Suresh presenting the awards to Kanchana Janardhanan and Thiruvaarur Bakthavathsalam in Chennai on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: R. RAGU
The Mylapore Fine Arts Club, as part of its 74th art festival held on Wednesday, conferred the title ‘Sangeetha Kala Nipuna’ on mridangam maestro Thiruvaarur Bakthavathsalam and ‘Nrithya Kala Nipuna’ on renowned Bharatanatyam guru Kanchana Janardhanan.
Industrialist and club president Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti congratulated the awardees.
T.N. Suresh, General Manager and Zonal Head (Chennai) of Bank of Baroda, the chief guest of the event, said that as the club approached its silver jubilee year, it should aim to achieve greater heights.
At the felicitation, vocalist Alleppey Venkatesan said Mr. Bakthavathsalam played the mridangam with sensitivity and the ability to balance sound. He also recalled several anecdotes from the artiste’s performances, noting that they would remain memorable.
Dancer Madhumathi Prakash said Ms. Janardhanan adhered to traditional practices regardless of the duration of a performance, presenting them in a manner that even a layperson could understand.
Mr. Bakthavathsalam and Ms. Janardhanan thanked the club and the rasikas. Prizes were handed over to the 22 winners of the club’s annual music competitions.
Published – December 19, 2025 12:55 am IST
