I don’t remember a time when Madhavi ji was just my aunt, and not my guru. There exists only one integral relationship between us,” reveals Arushi Mudgal, who grew up under the wing of Madhavi Mudgal around the same time the veteran artiste was being conferred with the Sangeet Natak Akademi award and a Padma Shri. Learnings from her many teachers, including her aunt, and her father, veteran Hindustani musician Madhup Mudgal will reflect in Athaah, her Odissi performance today at a SoBo venue. Excerpts from the interview.

A dated photograph featuring (from top) Kelucharan Mohapatra, Madhavi and Arushi Mudgal

MID-DAY: Growing up in the midst of esteemed artistes, do you remember your first tryst with dance?
Arushi Mudgal: I was completely surrounded by music and dance. When I was all of two years old, I would stumble into practice sessions at home and instinctively move to the rhythm. When I turned four, I started training under Madhavi ji while simultaneously learning Hindustani classical music. One of my first and most memorable performances came my way in Delhi when I was in the sixth grade — the legendary Indian classical dancer Kelucharan Mohapatra was in the audience. It was an equally exciting and intimidating prospect. At the end of the performance, guru Kelucharan walked up to the stage and gave me a tight embrace in appreciation. Ever since, I have taken the stage all around the world. But that memory remains special.