Mahalakshmi Ashwin Kumar

🪔 About

Mahalakshmi Ashwin is a distinguished Bharatanatyam performer, choreographer, and guru, born on August 6, 1977. Her journey in classical dance began at the tender age of five, with her initiation into Bharatanatyam by the legendary Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale. She is a postgraduate alumna of the esteemed Kalakshetra Foundation, where she honed her skills under the tutelage of eminent gurus such as Smt. Krishnaveni Lakshmanan, Smt. Ambica Buch, and Shri Janardhanan. Mahalakshmi Ashwin holds both a Graduate Diploma and a Post Graduate Diploma in Fine Arts from Kalakshetra, and during her student years, she actively participated in many of the institution's iconic dance productions. Beyond Bharatanatyam, she is also a trained Carnatic vocalist, having studied under Smt. Balasaraswathi at Kalakshetra. Based in Chennai, India, Mahalakshmi Ashwin is the head of TAPAS Academy, which serves as the educational arm of the TAPAS Cultural Foundation. She also plays an active role as a trustee of the TAPAS Cultural Foundation, contributing to its award committee that recognizes exceptional contributions to art and devotion. As a choreographer, Mahalakshmi Ashwin is celebrated for her innovative approach to classical dance dramas, seamlessly blending dance (Natyam), music (Sangeetham), and drama (Roopakam). Her notable productions include 'Kannan Thiruvilayadal', 'Lava Kusa', 'Prahlada', 'Vittala Darshana', 'Murugu - Muruganum Thamizhum', and the group dance presentation 'Utsava Prabhandham'. Her significant contributions to the art form have earned her numerous accolades. In her student days, she was awarded the National Scholarship for Fine Arts by the Ministry of Human Resources, Government of India. Her other prestigious titles and awards include Nrithyotama, Mayura Natuvamani, Nrithyathi, Natya Sudar, a Lifetime Achievement Award from Bala Natya Manjari Trust, the Rotary Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Rotary Excellence Award. She has also received many awards from abroad. Her senior students, Saisruti, Manasa Sriram, and Kritka Saran, trained at TAPAS Academy, continue to uphold the Kalakshetra tradition. Awards & Honours: National Scholarship for Fine Arts by the Ministry of Human Resources, Government of India, Nrithyotama, Mayura Natuvamani, Nrithyathi, Natya Sudar, Lifetime Achievement Award from Bala Natya Manjari Trust, Rotary Lifetime Achievement Award, Rotary Excellence Award.