M V N Murthy

🪔 About

M. V. N. Murthy, also known as Madhavapeddi Murthy, is an eminent Kuchipudi exponent and a distinguished torchbearer of the classical Indian dance tradition. He is the son of the celebrated playback singer, the late Madhavapeddi Satyam. Murthy received his extensive training in Kuchipudi under the tutelage of Padma Bhushan Guru Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam, the founder-director of the Kuchipudi Art Academy in Chennai, for over 20 years. He also received training in classical music for a few years. Throughout his career, Murthy has played key roles in landmark Kuchipudi dance-dramas choreographed by his guru, contributing significantly to the preservation and propagation of the traditional repertoire. His commanding stage presence and deeply expressive abhinaya have brought mythological and historical characters to life on stages across India and globally. He has performed in major festivals such as the Taj Mahotsav, Puri Beach Festival, Malabar Mahotsav, Khajuraho Festival, and Kuchipudi Mahotsav, among others. Murthy's notable collaboration with dancer and actress Hema Malini began in 1990, resulting in a remarkable association spanning 32 years and over 750 ballet performances. He is also an empanelled artist of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), serving as a cultural ambassador of India and carrying Kuchipudi to more than 25 countries. In 1995, Murthy founded the SIVA Foundation in Chennai, a cultural organization that began as a School of Kuchipudi Dance and has since expanded to organize cultural events and recognize individuals across the arts. For more than three decades, he has trained over a thousand students worldwide, led group performances, and presented numerous dance ballets, continuing to inspire emerging artists in Kuchipudi. Awards & Honours: Kalaimamani Award, Sathya Tandava Sundaram, Natya Kala Vipanchee, Natya Siromani.