Padhmavathee (Prema) Nydoo

🪔 About

Padhmavathee (Prema) Nydoo is a respected figure in Indian classical dance, primarily known for her expertise in Kathak. She is a direct disciple of the legendary Kathak maestro Gopi Krishna Ji, who belonged to the Benaras Gharana. This lineage connects her to a significant tradition within Kathak, known for its distinct style and techniques. Prema Nydoo has passed on this rich heritage, notably as the guru and mother of Nuka Rajarathnam, who founded the Nataka Dance Company in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2010. Her early training also included Bharatanatyam. Along with her sister Rani, Prema Nydoo traveled to Madras (now Chennai) to study at the Saraswathi Gana Sabha, where they were among the first to learn a complete Bharatanatyam Margam and performed before Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. However, her primary teaching legacy, as evidenced by her daughter's work, is rooted in Kathak. Through her teaching, Prema Nydoo has played a crucial role in preserving and propagating the classical art of Kathak, particularly within the South African Indian diaspora, ensuring the continuation of the Benaras Gharana's traditions through her students, most notably her daughter, Nuka Rajarathnam.