Dr. K.S.Bhavani Shankar

Dr. Bhavani Shankar, a name synonymous to the exactitude of Rhythm par excellence, is an unparalleled talent of prudent classism. He is honored with Doctorate from KEISEI INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY in recognition of his achievements, contributions and especially a firm approach to the area of Rhythm life for Dance.

 His saga of achievements and accomplishments is very interesting and intrinsic.

He was born into a family of artistes as the eldest son of the legendary Bharatanatyam artiste Karnataka Kalashree Guru K. Shiva Rao and Smt. Padmavathi S. Rao. He was academically trained by esteemed educational institutions of Bangalore.

A B. Sc degree holder, a multi tasker, he received Mridangam training from illustrious gurus- Sri R. Srivasan, Vid. M. Vasudev Rao and legendary Padma Vibhushan Dr. Umayalpuram K Sivaraman.

He secured First Rank in his Mridangam Proficiency exam in 1983 conducted by the KSEEB and also passed his Senior grade Bharatanatyam exam by the same board.

He started enticing art connoisseurs by his alluring  performances right from the young age of  twelve. He has ably accompanied legendary music and dance artistes across the world.

His talent was recognized by Sri. Mathoor Krishna Murthy, a prolific scholar of Sanskrit and Indian studies and Director of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, London where he was invited to join the faculty of Indian Music and Dance.

He served the field of Carnatic music at various splendid strata as a Panelist for Arts Council, England, Adjudicator at Croydon Music festival, Kingston upon Thames Music Festival, UK, Watford Music Festival, UK.

He enriched score’s of cassettes both Audio and Visual in India and other parts of the world with his enchanting music expertise.

 
Being a great adherent of stringent tradition and pristine purity of the time tested art, he has an open mind for new ideas and constructive improvisations.

His album ‘RHYTHM DIVINE’, was the first South Indian drum album, released in 2003 on the Dream Records label, that was accredited as the Best Album of South Indian percussion. It gains high exigency in music fraternity even today.

He has actively associated himself with experimental works in collaboration with the votaries of Western music such as MASSIVE ATTACK, an album that received global adulation.

He has co-founded SAMUDRA, a performing arts company in 1996, propagating and promoting Indian Music and Dance.

He had a brief movie Career acting as Nachiketha in the movie Adi Shankaracharaya, first ever Sanskrit movie directed and produced by the great scholar, Sri. G. V. Iyer.

He is recognized as an illustrious torch bearer of Indian traditional music and its magnanimity even beyond borders.

He is  awarded with the title-Mridanga Chatura in 1984, the youngest percussionist to be awarded this title, by Bangalore Gayana Samaja, Best Percussionist in 1983 in recognition of his outstanding ability in playing Ghatam at the art festival. He has received 1996 Arts Council of England Grant, UK, the most prestigious honor for a master in the traditional arts to perform outside UK.

Dr. Bhavani Shankar, a profound personality of great art and heart is a true stalwart inspiring generations of artistes with his immaculate music knowledge and a very pious life of high thinking and simple living.