P.Malliga Kumar

🪔 About

Shrimathi P. Malliga Kumar is a highly accomplished and renowned artist in the field of Bharatanatyam, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She commenced her Bharatanatyam training at the tender age of five under the guidance of Mrs. Kamala Ramachandran and Mrs. Indira Manikam of Tanjai Kamala Indira Dance Academy. To further deepen her knowledge and artistry, Mrs. Kumar traveled to India, where she received advanced training from eminent gurus. Her distinguished mentors included the late 'Padmashri' Adyar K Lakshman, his brother Shriman Rama Rao, and his sister Shrimathi Nagamani Rao of Bangalore, all renowned Kalakshetra masters. Additionally, she honed her skills in dance drama choreography under 'Padmashri' Mrs. Chandra K.N. Dhandayuthapani Pillai and mastered Nattuvangam from the late 'Padmashri' Adyar K. Lakshman. Her comprehensive artistic development also encompassed initial vocal training from 'Thavil Vidhvan' V. Doraimani and 'Oduvar' Ratnasababathi Desikar, as well as Veenai instruction from Salem Jayalakshmi. With over 40 years of experience as a performer and devoted teacher, P. Malliga Kumar founded the Kalakendira Dance Academy in Kuala Lumpur in 1983. Under her leadership, the academy has grown significantly, establishing branches in various locations such as Bandar Country Homes Rawang, Desa Jaya, Sungai Buloh, and Bandar Seri Coalfields. The Kalakendira Dance Academy is recognized for its exceptional contributions to Bharatanatyam and has garnered media attention. It has successfully guided over 100 students through their Salangai Poojai and 20 students through their Arangetrams, marking their professional debut. Mrs. Kumar is celebrated for her unique choreography and innovative presentations of the art form, and she has coached numerous gifted dancers who have achieved success in their own right. The academy has also been instrumental in organizing various dance programs to raise funds for temples, charities, and international events, including the Pacific Asia Tourism Association Conference (PATA) and Tamil Research Conferences held in Kuala Lumpur and Mauritius. P. Malliga Kumar's significant contributions to Bharatanatyam have been recognized with several prestigious awards. She was honored with the 'Natya Maamani' title by the Malaysian Indian Writers Association in May 1993. In December 2009, she received the 'Best Dance Guru MTA Award 2008' from the Malaysian Tamil Artistes Association. Most recently, in 2022, the Malaysian Bharatanatyam Dance Association (MBDA) conferred upon her the title 'Natya Seva'. Awards & Honours: Natya Maamani (1993), Best Dance Guru MTA Award (2008), Natya Seva (2022).