Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

🪔 About

Dr. Geeta Radhakrishna Menon was an eminent Mohiniyattam dancer, scholar, teacher, choreographer, and writer, actively involved in the performing arts for over five decades. Born on August 3, 1950, in Mumbai, she was the eldest daughter of Capt C.S. Nair and Savithri Nair. She began her dance journey at a young age, learning Bharatanatyam under Guru Venkatesh in Cochin and Coimbatore. She pursued her B.Sc from Mercy College in Palakkad, Kerala, and subsequently trained in Mohiniyattam at Kerala Kalamandalam in Cheruthuruthy under the tutelage of pioneering mentors Kalamandalam Kalyani Kutty Amma and Kalamandalam Satyabhama. After moving to Mumbai, she completed her LLB from Government Law College. Although qualified as a lawyer, dance remained her true calling. Advised by mridangam maestro and dance critic S. Santhanam to focus on Mohiniyattam due to fewer exponents in Mumbai at the time, she dedicated herself to the form. Dr. Menon established her Mohiniyattam dance academy, 'Mohiniatta Nritya Kalakshetra,' in Mumbai, where she trained numerous students, including her daughter Radhika, with some becoming professional dancers. She earned her doctorate in dance from Mumbai University with a thesis titled 'Narayaneeyam - Philosophy, Bhakti and Aesthetics.' As a performer, she presented Mohiniyattam extensively in India and internationally. She was particularly known for her solo dance dramas, employing "Ekaharya abhinaya." Her major choreographies included 'Narayaneeyam' (based on Narayana Bhattatripad's Sanskrit classic), 'Mary Magdalene' from the Holy Bible, and 'Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa' on Lord Ayyappa. Dr. Menon was also a prolific writer, authoring authoritative books on Mohiniyattam such as 'Mohiniattam Adavus' and 'Mohiniattam - dance of the enchantress,' along with several other books on spiritual and philosophical themes. She passed away on April 8, 2025, in New Delhi at the age of 75. Awards & Honours: Senior Fellowship.