CHENNAI: Her path into the art form began at the age of six, sparked by the stories her mother narrated—tales that would quietly shape her calling. Varsha Bhuvaneswari’s parents approached her guru, the late Thanjavur TR Kamala Murthy, a legendary Kalaimamani artiste.

“I always loved telling stories, and someone mentioned Kamala ma’am to my parents, so we went to meet her. She was initially reluctant to teach me because I was so young, but when she gave me a topic to speak on, I did my best to earn her trust. I would say she remained a little sceptical until my arangetram, which I completed a year after joining her,” Varsha recalls.

“My guru’s approach to Harikatha is quite unique. She begins formal teaching only after the arangetram, as she believes a student must first prove they are ready to perform on stage.”

Varsha received the Kalki Fellowship Award earlier this year, becoming the first Harikatha artiste in history to be honoured with this prestigious recognition. She is also an advocate by profession, having recently graduated from university.

“Harikatha is different from Carnatic music, although many tend to confuse the two. Harikatha incorporates Carnatic music, but it is essentially the art of narrating stories based on the lives of legends and deities, with songs woven around them. It is a blend of music, storytelling and philosophy,” she says.

Varsha has also performed Harikatha on global stages. “I’ve performed on international stages. I would often try to adapt my storytelling, assuming audiences might not understand the chaste Tamil. But they would request that I not change it, as they wanted to experience the traditional art form in its authentic form. I always make sure my audience never feels bored, and I try to keep my performances as engaging as possible,” she shares.

When asked about fast-changing cultural consumption and the challenges faced by traditional art forms, she says, “I believe change is happening — I won’t deny that — but I’ve noticed that most of the audience at my performances are youngsters. I feel it’s the lack of awareness that causes an art form to fade. When I was in college, I used to perform in sabhas nearby, and I would see my classmates and juniors in the audience without me even inviting them. Their suggestions genuinely helped me. I hope more youngsters come forward to take up this art form,” she says.

She believes social media, when used correctly, can help artists like her gain visibility and encourage people to support genuine talent.

Varsha’s upcoming Margazhi performances include,

1. December 15: Veenavadini at Saligramam Raghavendra mutt, at 7 pm.

Topic: Kodhaiyum Kannanum

2.⁠ ⁠December 31: Maarga at TAG auditorium, Ramakrishna Mission School, T Nagar, at 5 pm.

Topic: Kurai Ondrum Illai

3.⁠ ⁠January 1: Ragasudha in Mylapore, at 4 pm.

Topic: Sundarakandam

4.⁠ ⁠January 8 to 10: Sastra Satsangh, Vadapalani, at 7 am.

Topic: Harikatha on Thevaram paadiya Moovar

January 8: Gyanasambandar

January 9: Sundarar

January 10: Appar