Anita Raajyalaxmi Ratnam

🪔 About

Anita Raajyalaxmi Ratnam, born on May 21, 1954, in Chennai, India, is a distinguished Indian classical and contemporary dancer, choreographer, and cultural entrepreneur. Her extensive training includes Bharatanatyam under Adyar K. Lakshmanan and a postgraduate diploma from Kalakshetra, founded by Rukmini Devi Arundale. She also received formal training in Kathakali, Mohiniattam, Tai Chi, and Kalarippayattu, which significantly influenced her unique dance style, "Neo Bharatam". This innovative movement vocabulary blends Indian classical dance traditions with contemporary forms, reflecting her trans-cultural experiences and artistic philosophy. After completing a Master's degree in Theatre and Television from the University of New Orleans, USA, Ratnam spent a decade as a TV producer and commentator, earning Emmy and Ace award nominations for her work on Indian art, culture, and travel. Upon returning to India, she established the Arangham Trust in 1992 and the Arangham Dance Theatre in 1993 in Chennai, dedicated to promoting and enriching India's performing and visual arts. She is also the visionary behind Narthaki.com, launched in 2000, which has become a comprehensive online portal and encyclopedia for Indian dance, earning her the Vishwa Kala Ratna for pioneering arts entrepreneurship. Ratnam's career spans over five decades, with more than 1000 performances in numerous countries. She has served on advisory and executive bodies for Indian cultural policy, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi. Her contributions to dance have been widely recognized with numerous accolades, including the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Contemporary Dance in 2016. She is also a cultural activist, author, speaker, and mentor, constantly innovating new roles for community participation in the arts and advocating for women's rights. She holds a Ph.D. in Ancient Tamil Theatre Studies from the University of Madras. Awards & Honours: Mahatma Gandhi Award for Cultural Harmony (1986), Media Achievement Award (1991), Nritya Choodamani Award (1996), Kalaimamani (1998), Lalithakalaratna (2003), Natya Ratna (2003), Vishwa Kala Bharathi (2013), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Contemporary Dance (2016), Vishwa Kala Ratna (2016), Emmy Award Nomination, Ace Award Nomination.