By Sonali Skandan

There are so many memories and moments to ponder with someone who has lived an outsized life. I met Professor C.V. Chandrasekhar before I even started learning from him. It was in 2001 at a dance conference.  What I remember the most about meeting him in person is his regal stature - the way he held himself, his dress -  all spoke elegance, grace and charm.  He was a sight to behold.  

It was a few years later, when I went to Chennai to further my training in Bharatanatyam that I became his student. Of course, he wanted to see me dance before he accepted me into his fold. With trepidation, I presented a Sankeerna alarippu.  He told me to come back the next day to begin my classes with him. The initial weeks turned into months, and my twenty-year association with him was a whirlwind of learning — so many nuances to refine, lessons to absorb, and details to observe under his keen gaze. His intricate insights into the world of art were captivating. His teachings transcended mere technique, shaping our entire persona—the way we carry ourselves and interact with others, all reflecting on stage. We embody our art, and our art defines us. These profound lessons have been my greatest takeaway from him.

His was a home of love - a place where he and Jaya Aunty opened their doors to all those who share their passion for the arts. A place where we gathered to understand the depth and beauty of our chosen path. He gave us lovingly, with no hesitation. He never demanded anything in return.  He was erudite and elegant, traits that set him apart from the rest. He set high standards for himself, which in turn translated to high standards for his students. He never let us off easily—if the choreography demanded eight mandis and sarukka's, we had to execute them flawlessly; if the tillana required four korvais, we had to complete them; if a jati included twenty-three talangus, they had to be performed with precision. I believe these expectations and the constant push to challenge myself have allowed me to continue dancing and keep physicality at the forefront of my practice.

He made numerous visits to the US and stayed with my husband, Bala, and me. He and Jaya Aunty would stay in our modest New York apartment and fully embrace the subway experience. One of the most delightful surprises was seeing him in Western attire—his transition from traditional veshti and kurta to pants and shirts was almost seamless. He enjoyed the skyscrapers and rode the Staten Island ferry with a child-like wonder.

His mastery of various musical genres, subtle and nuanced abhinaya, innovative use of angika, and novel approaches to staging and content have profoundly influenced my own work. These elements are integral parts of his legacy that I will carry forward. He encouraged us to explore and create, always emphasising that whatever we undertook, we must do it with passion and conviction. For him, this was a crucial ingredient for success.

My last visit to CVC Sir was in December 2023. I was lucky to have spent many days over the course of three weeks, listening to his singing, correcting my dance and creating on-the-spot jatis. Nothing had changed - the art was still raging in him until his last breath…

(The author is a disciple of Prof C.V. Chandrasekhar)