Title: Beyond The Stage Lights
Author: Sujatha Sistla
ISBN: 9789373355962
Publisher: Evincepub Publishing
Beyond The Stage Lights: The Untold Journey of the Classical Dancer – Rekha Varanasy by Sujatha Sistla is a deeply inspiring and emotional book that beautifully presents the life of a classical dancer beyond what we usually see on stage. This book is not just about dance performances or achievements, but about the real journey, struggles, discipline, family support, and passion that shape an artist’s life. Written in a simple and easy-to-understand style, the book connects well with readers from different backgrounds; whether they are dancers, parents, students, or anyone interested in Indian culture and art.
The main focus of the book is the life of Aruna Rekha Varanasy, a well-known Kuchipudi dancer. From her childhood in a small town in Andhra Pradesh to becoming an accomplished dancer, the story flows in a very natural and engaging way. The author, Sujatha Sistla, has done a great job in presenting Rekha’s journey not just as a list of achievements but as a real-life story filled with emotions, ups and downs, and learning experiences. It feels like we are not just reading about Rekha, but actually walking along with her through different stages of her life.
One of the strongest parts of the book is how it highlights the importance of family in shaping a person’s journey. Rekha’s parents, especially her mother, played a very important role in guiding her towards dance and culture. Her mother’s strict discipline, love for art, and constant support helped Rekha build a strong foundation. The book shows how sometimes children may not understand their parents’ strictness in early life, but later realize that it was for their growth. This emotional connection between Rekha and her mother is very touching, especially towards the later part of the story where the loss of her mother deeply affects her. It reminds readers of the value of family support in achieving success.
Another important aspect covered in the book is the role of the Guru (teacher) in classical dance. Rekha’s Guru, Dr. Krishna Kumar, is shown as a strict but dedicated teacher who believed in discipline and perfection. The book explains how classical dance is not just about movements but about understanding emotions, stories, and expressions deeply. The Guru-shishya (teacher-student) relationship is explained beautifully, showing how much respect, trust, and dedication is required from both sides. It also gives readers a clear idea that learning classical art forms is not easy and requires years of practice, patience, and hard work.
The book also gives a detailed understanding of Kuchipudi dance. For readers who are not familiar with classical dance, the author explains its elements like expressions (abhinaya), rhythm (tala), and storytelling in a very simple way. It helps readers appreciate the depth and beauty of this art form. The explanation of traditions like Gajja Puja and the importance of rituals in dance adds cultural richness to the book. It shows how Indian classical dance is not just an art but also a spiritual and cultural practice.
What makes this book special is how it presents the struggles behind success. Rekha’s journey was not always smooth. There were times when she felt tired, demotivated, and even wanted to give up. The physical pain of practice, the pressure of competitions, balancing studies and dance, and later managing family responsibilities after marriage; all these challenges are honestly described. This makes the story very real and relatable. Many readers, especially young people, can connect with these struggles and feel motivated to continue their own journeys.
The book also talks about the challenges faced by women, especially in fields like classical dance. Rekha had to travel to different places for performances, sometimes staying in uncomfortable conditions. There were difficulties related to safety, health, and basic facilities. Despite all this, her passion for dance kept her going. This part of the book highlights the strength and determination required to follow one’s passion, especially for women.
Another inspiring part of the story is Rekha’s comeback after taking a break due to family responsibilities. Many people feel that once they take a break, it is difficult to return to their passion. But Rekha proves that with determination and love for one’s art, it is always possible to start again. Her comeback, achievements like performing at major festivals, becoming a Guinness World Record holder, and delivering TEDx talks show her strong spirit and dedication.
The author also highlights how Rekha adapted to modern times while staying connected to tradition. In today’s world, where many traditional art forms are slowly fading, Rekha’s efforts to keep Kuchipudi alive and relevant are commendable. She uses modern platforms like social media to reach a wider audience and inspire the younger generation. This balance between tradition and modernity is one of the key messages of the book.
The writing style of Sujatha Sistla is simple, clear, and emotional. She does not use complicated language, which makes the book easy to read for everyone. The storytelling is smooth, and each chapter adds something meaningful to the overall journey. The author’s personal connection with Rekha also adds authenticity to the story. It feels like the story is written with genuine love and respect.
One more important lesson from the book is the idea that success is not just about awards or recognition. It is about the journey, the learning, the discipline, and the impact one creates. Rekha’s story shows that true success lies in staying committed to one’s passion and inspiring others. Her role as a teacher and mentor to other students is equally important as her performances.
The emotional depth of the book is also worth mentioning. There are many moments that make readers feel happy, proud, and even emotional. Especially the parts about her mother, her Guru, and her personal struggles create a strong connection with the reader. These emotions make the book more than just a biography; it becomes a story of life, relationships, and dreams.
Overall, Beyond The Stage Lights is a very inspiring and meaningful book. It teaches us many life lessons such as the importance of hard work, discipline, patience, respect for teachers, and the value of family support. It also reminds us to stay connected to our culture and traditions while moving forward in life. For dancers and art lovers, this book is a great source of motivation and learning. For others, it is a beautiful story of a woman who followed her passion and made a mark through dedication and perseverance.
In conclusion, this book is highly recommended for anyone who wants to understand the real journey behind success. It is not just about a dancer, but about every person who dreams, struggles, and works hard to achieve something in life. Sujatha Sistla has successfully brought out the untold story behind the stage lights, showing that the real magic happens not on the stage, but in the journey leading up to it.
Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.in/dp/9373350420
Review by Neel Preet
For Eliteonestories.com
