Raghunandan S

🪔 About

Shri Raghunandan S is a distinguished third-generation Bharatanatyam artist from Bangalore, India, renowned as a performer, choreographer, and dedicated teacher. He proudly carries forward the artistic legacy of his family, being the grandson of the esteemed Natyacharya Guru H.R. Keshava Murthy, a recipient of the central Sangeet Natak Akademi award. His parents and gurus are Karnataka Kalashree Dr. Guru Shri B.K. Shyam Prakash and Vidushi Smt. Geetha Shyam Prakash. Raghunandan S received his initial Bharatanatyam training in childhood and underwent intensive tutelage under his grandfather at the 'Keshava Nritya Shala'. He holds a Masters of Fine Arts in Bharatanatyam, a distinction in Vidwath, and a Masters Degree in Sanskrit. Additionally, he is trained in Mridangam and is often invited as a guest Nattuvanaar. As an auditioned artist of Doordarshan, Raghunandan S has showcased his talent extensively, performing lead roles in over 50 major dance dramas. His international performances, workshops, and lectures have taken him to Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa, Sydney (Australia), and various states across the USA. He has graced prestigious festivals such as Nalanda Nrithyotsava, Natyanjali Festival, Rukmini Devi Arundale festival, Indradhanush, Kala Poshakam, and Hampi festival. A creative choreographer, Raghunandan S has directed, choreographed, and performed acclaimed dance dramas including Baala Kanda, Aranyakanda, and Sundara Kanda. He also collaborates with his wife, Dr. Manasi Raghunandan, an Odissi and Bharatanatyam exponent, to present "Kala Sangam," a unique fusion of Odissi and Bharatanatyam. His literary contributions include the Kannada dance drama "Sri Jagannatha Charitam" and numerous classical dance compositions in Sanskrit and Kannada. With over two and a half decades of teaching experience, Raghunandan S is a prominent educator. He serves as the Principal of Keshava College of Dance & Music and the Director of Keshava Nrithya Shala in Bangalore. He is also the managing director of Samskruthi Bhavan Trust and the BOE chairman at Bangalore University. To foster new talent, he annually hosts festivals like Keshava Kalarnavam, Guru Gangadhar Pradhan tribute festival, Nrithya Shraavana, Nrithya Medha, Nrithya Vaividhyam, and Nrithya Sammilana. Awards & Honours: Kalaa Yogi (2016), Bharatashree, Abhinay Best Youth Classical Dancer (2007), Godavari Sanmaan, Male Performer of the year.