In group shows by disciples of leading Bharatanatyam artistes of today, have you noticed how everyone on stage seems to have been cast in the same mould? Each physical movement, gait and glance, is a perfect copy of the teachers style. Padma Subrahmanyams disciples are reprints of the original edition, down to the flutter of the lashes. Alarmel Vallis students reproduce her lightonthetoes leaps. Sudharani Raghupatis pupils strike sculpturesque poses, and Chitra Visweshwarans sishyas are able to replicate even the attamis of their instructor. If Lakshmi Viswanathan nods her head to the music during abhinaya, her followers do the same at opportune and inopportune moments.

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