RADHA SRIDHAR

🪔 About

Guru Radha Sridhar is a highly respected figure in Indian classical dance, primarily known for her profound contributions to Bharatanatyam. Born around 1938, she embarked on her dance journey at a time when pursuing the art form was considered taboo, particularly for girls and married women. She initially trained in Kathak before transitioning to Bharatanatyam under the tutelage of revered Guru H.R. Keshavamurthy. Her extensive training also includes learning from the renowned dancing duo U.S. Krishna Rao and Chandrabhaga Devi, Muthaiah Pillai (son of Pandanallur Meenakshisundaram Pillai), and Dr. Venkatalakshmma. Beyond dance, she also received training in Carnatic vocal music and mridangam from T.A.S. Mani. In 1969, Radha Sridhar established the Venkatesha Natya Mandira in Bengaluru, which has since become a prominent cultural institution. Through her academy, she has dedicated over five decades to grooming four generations of aspiring dancers, making significant contributions to the promotion and teaching of Bharatanatyam. She is widely acknowledged for her choreographic prowess, having created over 20 dance dramas, predominantly in Kannada and one in Sanskrit. Her commitment to the arts extends to her role as an examiner at Bangalore University for dance and the Karnataka State Secondary Education Examination Board. Since 1995, she has also organized "Rasa Sanje," an annual festival celebrating music and dance. Her lasting legacy includes paving the way for countless women to pursue classical dance. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2018).