Applause for Astad Deboo from Chennai
Astad Deboo was in Europe, doing what he does best — presenting his latest contemporary dance performances in festivals and collaborating with musicians from across the world for new projects — when he got a phone call from the Sri Krishna Gana Sabha in Chennai informing him that this year's Yagnaraman Living Legend Award will be conferred on him on July 1.

Famed art critic Leela Venkatraman, who is the chief guest for the evening, will give away the award to Deboo. "The Sri Krishna Gana Sabha is one of the most important sabhas of Chennai; they are presenters mainly of Indian classical music and dance. For them to bestow the honour on a contemporary dancer and choreographer is an affirmation of my dedication to my art," Deboo told this diarist, adding that he will also be performing a one-hour solo show at the ceremony. The award couldn't have been better timed — Deboo will enter his 50th year as a professional in 2019.