K. Shivashankar (7 December 1948 – 28 November 2021) was an Indian dance choreographer who worked in more than 10 languages but majorly with

South Indian South India, also known as Dakshina Bharata or Peninsular India, consists of the peninsular southern part of India. It encompasses the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, as well as the union territo ...

films, including

Tamil film Tamil cinema, also known as Kollywood is a part of Indian Cinema; primarily engaged in production of motion pictures in the Tamil language. Based out of the Kodambakkam neighbourhood in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, it is popularly called ''Kollywood' ...

s &

Telugu film Telugu cinema, also known as Tollywood, is the segment of Indian cinema dedicated to the production of motion pictures in the Telugu language, widely spoken in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Telugu cinema is based in Film Nagar, Hy ...

Early life

Shivashankar was born in Govindappa Naicken Street, Parrys, Chennai, on 7 December 1948, to Kalyana Sundaram and Komala Amal. His father was wholesale fruit vendor in

Kothawal Chavadi Kothawal Chavadi is a neighbourhood in Chennai, India. It is situated in the northern part of the city adjoining George Town, Chennai. Until 1996, Kothawal Chavadi housed Asia's largest fruit and vegetable market. The market has since been moved ...

. His backbone was fractured at a very young age in an accident for which and recovered around 8 years of age under the extensive care of his aunts. He was initially home schooled and later studied in Hindu Theological Higher Secondary School,

Sowcarpet Sowcarpet is a neighborhood in the northern part of Chennai, India. Sowcarpet is one of the oldest neighborhoods of the city with narrow streets and vintage buildings. It is a bustling commercial area of the city, and a range of wholesale mark ...

. He attributed his feminine mannerism to his growing up without much contact with the outside world and where women in family were taking care of him mostly. His father was highly skilled with immense knowledge in

Carnatic music Carnatic music, known as or in the Dravidian languages, South Indian languages, is a system of music commonly associated with South India, including the modern Indian states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, an ...

Astrology Astrology is a range of Divination, divinatory practices, recognized as pseudoscientific since the 18th century, that claim to discern information about human affairs and terrestrial events by studying the apparent positions of Celestial o ...

, but very strict with his children. While his father attended carnatic music festival, Sivasankar was asked to go for drama & dance festivals to represent him. This inspired him to learn dance. He learnt basics in dance from Natraj & Sakunthala,

Mylapore Mylapore, also spelt Mayilapur, is a neighbourhood in the central part of the city of Chennai, India. It is one of the oldest residential parts of the city. It is also called Tirumayilai. The locality is claimed to be the birthplace of the cel ...

. Later, he joined as assistant to dance master Saleem in 1974.

Career

Having worked on over 800 feature films, Sivasankar has won the

Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Choreographer The Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Cinematographer is given by the state government as part of its annual Tamil Nadu State Film Awards for Tamil (Kollywood) films. The list Here is a list of the award winners and the films for which they w ...

for ''

Poove Unakkaga ''Poove Unakkaga'' () is a 1996 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film written and directed by Vikraman. The film stars Vijay and Sangita. Actor Murali makes a guest appearance in a song in the film. The film released on 18 February 1996. ...

'' (1996), ''

Vishwa Thulasi ''Vishwa Thulasi'' is a 2004 Tamil-language drama film directed by Sumathy Ram, starring Mammooty and Nandita Das. This film's score and soundtrack were composed by Ilayaraaja and M. S. Viswanathan. The film was notable for having a female direct ...

'' (2003), ''

Varalaru ''Varalaru: History Of Godfather'', or simply known as ''Varalaru'' (), is a 2006 Indian Tamil-language action-drama film written and directed by K. S. Ravikumar, and produced by S. S. Chakravarthy under the banner NIC Arts. The film stars A ...

'' (2006) and ''

Uliyin Osai ''Uliyin Osai'' () is a 2008 Indian Tamil-language period drama film directed by Ilavenil, written by Karunanidhi, and produced by S. P. Murugesan. The film stars starring Vineeth, Keerthi Chawla, and Akshaya, while Sarath Babu, Manorama, Kovai ...

'' (2008). Sivasankar won the

National Film Award for Best Choreography The National Film Award for Best Choreography is one of the National Film Awards presented annually by the Directorate of Film Festivals, the organization set up by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, India. It is one of several awards pr ...

for his work in

S. S. Rajamouli Koduri Srisaila Sri Rajamouli ( ; born 10 October 1973) is an Indian film director and screenwriter who primarily works in Telugu cinema. He is the highest paid director in India, and is known for his action, fantasy, and epic genre films. T ...

's historical drama ''

Magadheera ''Magadheera'' () is a 2009 Indian Telugu-language fantasy action film directed by S. S. Rajamouli and produced by Allu Aravind's Geetha Arts, on a story by V. Vijayendra Prasad. The film stars Ram Charan, Srihari, Kajal Aggarwal and Dev Gill. ...

'' (2008), with the jury noting he was rewarded "for breath taking energy and innovation" in the song "Dheera Dheera Dheera". His experience at the official ceremony was reported in the media after he was critical of the delay in allowing him into the venue. In 2003, his super-fast choreography of super hit song ''Manmadha Raasa'' for

Thiruda Thirudi ''Thiruda Thirudi'' ( ''Male Thief and Female Thief'') is a 2003 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film written and directed by debutant Subramaniam Siva. The film stars Dhanush, Chaya Singh, Karunas, Manikka Vinayagam, and Krishna. This f ...

film was widely talked about. In 2003, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from New International Christian University, Bangalore for his services to dance. Sivasankar has also appeared in acting roles, notably starring as

Ajith Kumar Ajith Kumar (born 1 May 1971) is an Indian actor who works predominantly in Tamil films. To date, he has starred in over 60 films. His awards include four Vijay Awards, three Cinema Express Awards, three Filmfare Awards South and three Tamil N ...

's dance instructor in

K. S. Ravikumar K. S. Ravikumar (born 30 May 1958) is an Indian film director, screenwriter, producer, actor, primarily working in Tamil films. Career 1990–1997 Ravikumar worked as co-director on R. B. Choudary's production ''Pudhu Vasantham'' direct ...

's ''

'' (2006). The choreographer was asked to design the dance sequences but also the action sequences and the overall body language of Ajith, to depict him in a feminine way. He later portrayed the role of a Christian missionary in Bala's period drama '' Paradesi'' (2013), who works to convert the religion of naive tea workers.

Death

Sivasankar died from

COVID-19 Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by a virus, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first known case was COVID-19 pandemic in Hubei, identified in Wuhan, China, in December ...

at a private hospital in

Hyderabad Hyderabad ( ; , ) is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Telangana and the ''de jure'' capital of Andhra Pradesh. It occupies on the Deccan Plateau along the banks of the Musi River (India), Musi River, in the northern part ...

on 28 November 2021, at the age of 72.

Notable filmography

As choreographer

*''

Paattum Bharathamum ''Paattum Bharathamum'' () is a 1975 Indian Tamil-language film, directed and produced by P. Madhavan. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan, Jayalalithaa, Sripriya and Vijayakumar. The film had musical score by M. S. Viswanathan. It was released on ...

'' (1975) - debut as Assistant *''

Kavikkuyil ''Kavikkuyil'' is a 1977 Indian Tamil-language film directed by Devaraj–Mohan. The film stars Sivakumar, Sridevi and Fatafat Jayalaxmi, with S. V. Subbaiah, Rajinikanth and Senthamarai in supporting roles. It was released on 29 July 1977. ...

'' (1977) *''Kuruvikoodu'' (1980) - debut as Dance Master *'' Saattai Illatha Pambaram'' (1983) *''

Mann Vasanai ''Mann Vasanai'' () is a 1983 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film directed by Bharathiraja. Starring debutants Pandiyan and Revathi, with Vinu Chakravarthy, Ganthimathi, and Y. Vijaya in supporting roles, the film was a blockbuster, an ...

'' (1983) *'' Khaidi'' (1983) *''

Manaivi Oru Manickam ''Manaivi Oru Manickam'' () is a 1990 Indian Tamil-language supernatural thriller film, directed by Chozharaajan and produced by N. Ramasamy. The film stars Arjun, Mukesh (in his Tamil debut), Radha, Sadhana and S. S. Chandran. The film was ...

'' (1990) *'' Chakravyuham'' (1992) *''

Marupadiyum ''Marupadiyum'' () is a 1993 Indian Tamil-language drama film written, filmed and directed by Balu Mahendra. The film stars Revathi, Nizhalgal Ravi, Arvind and Rohini. A remake of the 1982 Hindi film ''Arth'', it focuses on Thulasi, a wife ca ...

'' (1993) *''

En Aasai Machan ''En Aasai Machan'' () is a 1994 Indian Tamil language drama film directed by R. Sundarrajan. The film stars Vijayakanth, Murali, Revathi and Ranjitha. The film, produced by Tamil Fathima, had musical score by Deva and was released on 26 Augus ...

'' (1994) *''

Ammoru Ammoru () is a 1995 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological fantasy film directed by Kodi Ramakrishna. The film is produced by Shyam Prasad Reddy, under M. S. Arts Unit. It stars Ramya Krishna as Goddess Ammoru and Soundarya as her devotee, B ...

'' (1995) *''

'' (1996) *'' Suryavamsam'' (1997) *''

Ninaithen Vandhai ''Ninaithen Vandhai'' () is a 1998 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film directed by K. Selva Bharathy and produced by Allu Aravind. The film stars Vijay, Rambha and Devayani, with Charle, Ranjith, Senthil, and Vinu Chakravarthy in s ...

'' (1998) *''

Suyamvaram ''Suyamvaram'' () is a 1999 Indian Tamil-language comedy drama film starring an ensemble cast from actors in the Tamil film industry and shot by a large technical team from the industry. The film was planned by Giridharilal Nagpal who produced a ...

'' (1999) *''

Thulladha Manamum Thullum ''Thulladha Manamum Thullum'' () is a 1999 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film directed by debutant Ezhil. It stars Vijay and Simran, while Manivannan, Dhamu and Vaiyapuri among others play supporting roles. The film is produced by R. B. ...

'' (1999) *''

Vetri Kodi Kattu ''Vetri Kodi Kattu'' () is a 2000 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by Cheran. The film stars starring Murali, Parthiban, Meena, and Malavika, while Vadivelu, Manorama, Anandaraj, Vijayakumar, and Charle play supporting ...

'' (2000) *''

'' (2003) *''

'' (2004) *''

Thirupaachi ''Thirupaachi'' is a 2005 Indian Tamil-language action film written and directed by Perarasu. The film stars Vijay, Trisha and Mallika, with Livingston, Pasupathy, Benjamin, Kota Srinivasa Rao, Vaiyapuri and Manoj K. Jayan in other roles. Ch ...

'' (2005) *''

Allari Pidugu ''Allari Pidugu'' () is a 2005 Indian Telugu-language action film produced by MRV Prasad on P. B. R. Art Productions banner, and directed by Jayanth C. Paranjee. The film stars Nandamuri Balakrishna in dual role, Katrina Kaif, Charmy Kaur, and ...

'' (2005) *''

'' (2006) *''

'' (2008) *''

'' (2009) *'' Arundhati'' (2009) *''

Mahatma Mahatma (English pronunciation: , sa, महात्मा, translit=mahātmā) is an honorific used in India. The term is commonly used for Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who is often referred to simply as "Mahatma Gandhi". Albeit less frequent ...

'' (2009) *'' Baahubali: The Beginning ''(2015)

As actor

Television

Awards and honours

National Film Awards

2009 File:2009 Events Collage V2.png, From top left, clockwise: The vertical stabilizer of Air France Flight 447 is pulled out from the Atlantic Ocean; Barack Obama becomes the first African American to become President of the United States; 2009 Iran ...

: "Dheera Dheera Dheera" in ''

'' (for

Best Choreography The MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography is a craft award given to the artist, the artist's manager, and choreographer of the music video. From 1984 to 2007, the full name of the award was Best Choreography in a Video. The biggest winner ...

)

Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Choreographer

1996 File:1996 Events Collage.png, From left, clockwise: A Centennial Olympic Park bombing, bomb explodes at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, set off by a radical Anti-abortion violence, anti-abortionist; The center fuel tank explodes on TWA Flight 8 ...

: ''

'' *

2004 2004 was designated as an International Year of Rice by the United Nations, and the International Year to Commemorate the Struggle Against Slavery and its Abolition (by UNESCO). Events January * January 3 – Flash Airlines Flight 6 ...

: ''

'' *

2006 File:2006 Events Collage V1.png, From top left, clockwise: The 2006 Winter Olympics open in Turin; Twitter is founded and launched by Jack Dorsey; The Nintendo Wii is released; Montenegro 2006 Montenegrin independence referendum, votes to declare ...

: '' Varalaaru'' *

2008 File:2008 Events Collage.png, From left, clockwise: Lehman Brothers went bankrupt following the Subprime mortgage crisis; Cyclone Nargis killed more than 138,000 in Myanmar; A scene from the opening ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing; ...

: ''

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Sivasankar, K. 1948 births 2021 deaths Bharatanatyam exponents Tamil male actors Indian choreographers Indian film choreographers Male actors in Tamil cinema Performers of Indian classical dance 20th-century Indian dancers Kathakali exponents Best Choreography National Film Award winners Male actors in Telugu television Male actors from Chennai Deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic in India