Gaddam Padmaja Reddy

🪔 About

Gaddam Padmaja Reddy, born on January 1, 1967, in Pamarru, Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, India, is a highly acclaimed Indian Kuchipudi exponent and music teacher. She began her dance journey at the age of five and received her training in Kuchipudi from the renowned Shobha Naidu. Over a career spanning more than 50 years, Reddy has established herself as a prominent performer, having presented over 3,000 concerts in more than 100 countries. Reddy is celebrated for her performances in ballets based on mythological themes and contemporary social issues. Her notable works addressing social concerns include "Bruna Hatyalu" (condemning female foeticide), "Jagruthi" (exploring HIV/AIDS issues), "Vajra Bharati" (promoting national integrity), "Namaste India," and "Season of Flowers." She has also gained recognition for her portrayal of characters like Satyabhama and Rudrama Devi. A significant contribution to Kuchipudi is her choreography of "Kakatiyam," a two-part visual dance form rooted in the history and culture of the Kakatiya dynasty, inspired by the 13th-century text *Nritta Ratnavali*. The first part of "Kakatiyam" premiered in 2017, the second in 2021, and the third in 2024, showcasing forgotten dance forms of the Kakatiya era. As a dedicated teacher, Gaddam Padmaja Reddy founded the "Pranav Institute of Kuchipudi Dance" with branches in Hyderabad, India, and Florida, USA, where she trains young dancers. Her contributions to the art form have earned her numerous accolades, solidifying her status as a revered figure in Indian classical dance. Awards & Honours: Natya Visharadha (1994), Doctorate Degree (2005), Kala Ratna (2006), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2015), Padma Shri (2022), Honorary Doctorate (2022).