PANIBARATHA
A legend in his own times and an iconic figure that shaped the contours
of the Sri Lankan artistic legacy, Dr. Panibharata's death anniversary falls on
24th. Known for his larger than life personality which pervaded the arena of
Sri Lankan dance for over half a decade, Dr. Pani Bharata's rich legacy does
not confine to his chosen craft of dancing but branches out to other areas of
arts such as painting and sculpturing.
Many of
today's famous dancers were his pupils. Along with Chitrasena, he worked
tirelessly to spread the fame of Sri Lankan indigenous dancing forms worldwide.
He has held performances in India, Russia, UK, Japan and the US, among others.
He gave a special performance before Queen Elizabeth II when she visited Sri
Lanka in 1954.
He conducted
research into old and new forms of dancing. He produced a number of ballets and
operas including Graha Apalaya, Ditti Mangalika and Pattini.In recognition of
his services, he was awarded the Presidential Award and the Kalabhooshana
Award.
Panibharatha, born on February 24, 1920 to veteran dancer Babanchi
Algama of Algama in the Kegalle District and his wife Dingiri Ukku, as the
second of six children, was guided by his parents to become a native physician
under Ven. Thibbotuwawe Gunananda Veda Hamuduruwo of Ratnapura, but fate
decided otherwise and Panibharatha took to traditional dancing, following the
footsteps of his ancestors.
