Rekha Raju

🪔 About

Rekha Raju is a distinguished Indian classical dancer, choreographer, and educator, renowned for her mastery in Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam. Born in Palakkad, Kerala, and raised in Bangalore, Karnataka, she began her dance journey at the tender age of three, initially training in Bharatanatyam under Guru Padmini Ramachandran. Her extensive training continued under esteemed gurus such as Kalamandalam Usha Datar, Sri Raju Datar, and Prof. A. Janardhanan for Bharatanatyam, and later specializing in Mohiniyattam with Guru Smt. Gopika Varma. Raju holds a Ph.D. in Dance from Mysore University, a Master's degree in Bharatanatyam with distinction, and a Vidwath proficiency certificate, solidifying her status as a scholar-practitioner. With over 25 years of experience and more than 2,000 stage performances across national and international festivals, Rekha Raju is celebrated for her expressive abhinaya and significant contributions to preserving and popularizing these classical dance forms. She made her Arangetram in 2003 and has since graced prestigious platforms including the Khajuraho Dance Festival, Konark Dance Festival, and Chennai Music Academy. An 'A'-graded artist with Bangalore Doordarshan and an empanelled performer for the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), she has toured globally, conducting workshops and lecture demonstrations to spread Indian art and culture. At the age of 16, Rekha Raju founded Nrithya Dhama Temple of Fine Arts in Bangalore, where she serves as Artistic Director. The academy provides comprehensive training in Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Carnatic vocals, and Mridangam, catering to students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Through Nrithya Dhama, she has trained hundreds of students, fostering holistic development and collaborating with NGOs like Freedom Foundation and Cristel House to support underprivileged children. Her innovative approach includes presenting Mohiniyattam based on Kannada kritis and combining it with other dance forms, while also promoting dance for social causes. Rekha Raju has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar from the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2020 for her overall contributions to performing arts. Other notable awards include the Kalayogi from Bangalore ICCR, Krishna Gana Sabha Endowment Award, Bharath Nritya Samrat, and Natya Kala Nipuna. She is also a member of the Expert Panel for Mohiniattam at the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Awards & Honours: Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (2020), ITDC Award (2022), Natya Kala Nipuna (2020), Recognition as one of 100 young achievers at Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (2022), Kalayogi from Bangalore ICCR (2018), Krishna Gana Sabha Endowment Award (2016), Bharath Nritya Samrat (2016), Natya Mayura Tharakai (2017), Yuva Kala Bharathi (2013), Yuva Kala Prathibha (2014), Abhinava Bharathi (2013), Natya Veda Award (2013), Nrithya Kaumudhi title (2012), Nrithya Vibhushan (2012), Nrithya Rejini title (2011).