C.V. Chandrashekhar

🪔 About

C.V. Chandrashekhar (born May 22, 1935, in Shimla, British India; died June 19, 2024) was a towering figure in Indian classical dance, celebrated as a Bharatanatyam dancer, academician, dance scholar, composer, and choreographer. His formal training in Bharatanatyam began in 1945 at the internationally renowned Kalakshetra in Chennai, where he was mentored by luminaries such as Rukmini Devi Arundale, Karaikkal Saradambal, K.N. Dandayudhapani Pillai, Peria Sarada, and Sarada Hoffman. He also received rigorous training in Carnatic music from esteemed teachers like Budulur Krishnamurthy Sastrigal and M.D. Ramanathan. Chandrashekhar embarked on his professional dance career in 1947, a period when male dancers were a rarity. He pursued a Master's degree in Botany from Banaras Hindu University, alongside his postgraduate diploma in Bharatanatyam. He served at Banaras Hindu University before joining M.S. University, Baroda, where he rose to become the Head and Dean of the Faculty of Performing Arts, retiring in 1992. After his retirement, he settled in Chennai with his wife, Jaya Chandrasekhar, also an accomplished dancer, and together they established their own dance institution, Nrityashree. Throughout his career, C.V. Chandrashekhar was known for his flawless technique, subtle abhinaya, and exceptional choreography, inspiring generations of dancers. Awards & Honours: Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1978), Gujarat Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1982), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Bharatanatyam (1993), Kalaimamani (2003), Kalidas Samman (2008), Padma Bhushan (2011), Sangita Kala Acharya, Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship, Natya Kalanidhi, Nritya Ratnakara, Nritya Choodamani, Nadabrahmam.