After more than two decades, two childhood friends have reunited on stage in a classical Bharatanatyam dance performance to help preserve an 87-year-old heritage building belonging to their community.
The charity performance “Sashvatham – an Eternal Legacy: the Journey of Two Friends” took place at Shantanand Auditorium, Temple of Fine Arts (TFA) in Kuala Lumpur.
The duo – P. Gowri and S. Sathia, both 49 – were once dance partners at Ceylon Tamils’ Kalavirthy Sangam (CTKS), first meeting in 1984 while attending dance classes.
Their performance was not only a tribute to their dance teachers, but also a fundraising effort for CTKS’s heritage building on Jalan Imbi, located opposite Tun Razak Exchange (TRX).
Gowri, a civil servant, said the idea of performing together emerged last October after their mothers, who are also close friends, expressed a wish to see them share the stage once more.
“We started learning to dance at age seven.
“Our friendship never faded, even after Sathia stopped dancing to focus on her career.
“We remained in touch and continued supporting each other.
“When Sathia suggested we stage a performance together, I proposed turning it into a fundraising event to help CTKS, as it was there that we first discovered the world of dance,” she told Bernama.
The approximately two-hour performance featured five Bharatanatyam pieces under the guidance of choreographer and teacher Dr Guruvayur Usha Dorai, founder and principal of Laasya Arts Academy, accompanied by live traditional Indian music.
Gowri said the performance also carried a message that friendship could endure despite life’s challenges, while encouraging people to continue pursuing their dreams.
“Our friendship proves that with mutual support, anything is possible.”
Gowri admitted that age and the challenge of balancing work commitments with rehearsals were among the main obstacles during preparations, which began last November.
However, their long-standing rapport helped them quickly regain their chemistry on stage.
CTKS president Datuk K. Thanarajah said funds raised through the performance would be used to upgrade the association’s building, which was established in 1939.
The building continues to serve as a centre for arts and cultural activities including dance, music and Tamil language classes.
“We require more than RM500,000 to upgrade and refurbish the premises, including facilities, toilets and air-conditioning system.
“So far, only about 30% has been raised, and various activities will be organised to cover the remaining costs,” he said.
Thanarajah expressed hope that more young people would become involved in preserving the community’s cultural heritage.
“Support from the public, private sector and government is crucial to ensure that the building remains a hub for arts and cultural activities for future generations.”
