C. Radhakrishna

🪔 About

C. Radhakrishna, a revered guru of Bharatanatyam, passed away in Bengaluru on March 30, 2024, at the age of 96. Born around 1928, he began his musical training at the age of eight under Vidhvan Tavarekere Ramaraya. His maternal uncle, Nattuvannar N. Gundappa, recognized his inclination towards dance. Radhakrishna gave his first music performance in 1944 at the Palli Venugopala Swami temple in Bengaluru, followed by his debut dance performance in 1946 at the Vishweshwarapuram Teachers' Association's annual event. In 1956, he established his own dance institution, 'Chittaranjani Kalakshetra'. He was instrumental in patronizing the growth of dance and music, earning him the moniker 'Mysore Bhoja', and encouraged the development of what came to be known as the Mysore style of Bharatanatyam. His influence extended beyond Karnataka, gaining recognition in Tamil Nadu, where he became known as 'Bangalore Dance Master' due to his regular teaching visits to Madurai and Chennai. Radhakrishna served as a member of the Sangeetha Natak Academy, Karnataka, from 1972 to 1976, and as president of the Dance Exam Board for the Karnataka Government Higher Education Council from 1975 to 1982. His dedication to the art form earned him several prestigious awards, including the 'Karnataka Kalatilaka' in 1983 and the Rajyotsava Award in 1989. His wife, Meenakshi Radhakrishna, supported his career until her passing in 1993. Awards & Honours: Bharatha Kalamani, Karnataka Kalatilaka (1983), Rajyotsava Award (1989).