Reimagining A Classic

Padma Shri awardee Prathibha Prahlad celebrates 40 years of the Prasiddha Foundation, with a festival that redefines the Ramayana through its powerful women

- ANJALI RAM

For Prathibha Prahlad, decades of dedication to Bharatanatyam and teaching young artistes started with a determination to make a mark in the world of classical dance. The Padma Shri awardee's Prasiddha Foundation, which she started to promote classical dance, is celebrating its 40-year anniversary with a three-day festival, Prasiddha@40 – A Golden Era Redefined, in New Delhi.

“Back in the ‘80s, I belonged to a very small group of dancers who were articulate when most artistes did not have the necessary education to speak for themselves and fight for their rights. Because I had education on my side, instead of just building my own career, and lobbying for my own awards, I invested all my time, energy, and money in creating these platforms for the arts,” says Prahlad, reflecting on her journey.