Our dear friend and brilliant legendary contemporary dancer Astad Deboo has been credited for blending his kathak and kathakali training and creating a unique dance form that has been appreciated globally. He is also known for collaborative explorations with other artistes. This year he teamed up with rudra veena artiste Mohi Baha ud-din Dagar to create a connection between contemporary dance and Indian classical music, and performed at the Mudra Dance Festival in April. The maestro has now added another feather to his cap.
Deboo has received a lifetime achievement award – Yagnaraman Living Legend — from the Chennai-based Sri Krishna Gana Sabha. Established in 1953, the organisation is highly regarded across the country. “I feel honoured that an Indian classical dance foundation has bestowed this honour to contemporary dance. This is the first time ever that an award Is being given in this category. I have been In this profession for 50 years, so it is a recognition of what I have done,” said Deboo.