Maanu (actress)

🪔 About

Maanu, born Krishnakshi Sharma in Guwahati, Assam, India, is an accomplished Indian classical dancer and former actress. Her journey in dance began at the tender age of four. She pursued extensive training in various classical dance forms, achieving her Bisharad in Manipuri dance in 1992 and in Kathak dance in 1995. Her gurus for Manipuri and Kathak included Gurumoni Sinha Singh, Guru Arabinda Kalita, and Guru Hajuwari. Maanu then dedicated herself to Bharatanatyam, performing her arangetram in 1995 under the tutelage of Guru Padma Hargopal. Her passion for dance led her to Chennai, where she further honed her skills under the esteemed guidance of The Dhananjayans. Despite making a successful film debut in Saran's "Kadhal Mannan" (1998), Maanu chose to prioritize her dance career over acting. She established her own performing arts company, Maanu Artz, and actively participated in dance troupes globally, featuring as a lead performer in classical dance productions such as "Sivagami," "Living Tree," "Madhavi," and "Konjum Salangai." After her marriage, Maanu relocated to Singapore, where she continued to teach classical dance and perform internationally. She briefly re-entered the public eye in 2011 when she aided actor Rajinikanth during his recovery from ill health in Singapore, and later made a short return to acting in the 2014 film "Enna Satham Indha Neram." In January 2017, she performed alongside Radhika Surajit at a charity event, dancing to compositions by Kaviyarasar Kannadasan. Maanu has since settled in Chennai, continuing her dedication to the arts.