Chandrabhaga Geeta

🪔 About

Geeta Chandran, born on January 14, 1962, in Cochin, Kerala, spent her formative years in Delhi, India. Her journey in Bharatanatyam began at the tender age of five under the tutelage of Guru Swarna Saraswathy, who imparted the traditional Thanjavur dasi style. She further honed her skills under a galaxy of eminent gurus, including Jamuna Krishnan and Smt. Kalanidhi Narayanan, specializing in Abhinaya, and Guru K.N. Dakshinamurthi Pillai, who guided her in adavus and jatis. She also received training from Vazhuvoor V Sadasivam, Guru V. Krishnamoorthi, and S. Ayyappan. Beyond dance, Chandran is a trained Carnatic vocalist. Academically, she holds a degree in mathematical statistics from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi, and a Master's degree from the Indian Institute of Mass Communications (IIMC) in 1984. Her early career included roles as a Course Coordinator at IIMC, working with the NAMEDIA Foundation, and a brief stint in NTPC's public relations department before she dedicated herself full-time to Bharatanatyam. Her arangetram took place in 1974. Chandran is celebrated for her unique approach that blends tradition with contemporary relevance, using dance as a powerful medium for social communication on issues such as environment, gender, and peace. She has authored the book "So Many Journeys." She is the Founder-President and Artistic Director of Natya Vriksha, an institution devoted to promoting Bharatanatyam and fostering young artists. Awards & Honours: Padma Shri (2007), Sangeet Natak Akademi Puruskar for Bharatanatyam (2016), Tagore National Fellowship (2018), Lady Shri Ram College Illustrious Alumna Award, Bharat Nirman Award, Natya Ilavarasi, Indira Priyadarshini Award, Media India Award, National Critics Award, Sringar Mani, Natya Ratna, Dandayudhapani Pillai Award for Bharatanatyam (2001), Millennium Award, Lifetime Achievement Award (IIMC Alumni Association) (2022), Stree Samman.