Sundari Santhanam

🪔 About

Sundari Santhanam was a revered figure in Indian classical dance, particularly Bharatanatyam, known for her profound dedication and rigorous approach to the art form. She passed away on August 24, 2009. An ardent disciple of the legendary Guru Padma Subrahmanyam, Sundari Santhanam was deeply committed to the study and practice of Natya Shastra Karanas, diligently practicing them daily. Her unwavering spirit and resilience in the face of health challenges earned her the moniker "a woman made of iron" from her doctors. As a teacher, she was a demanding taskmaster, accepting nothing less than perfection from her students. Beyond her teaching, Sundari Santhanam made significant contributions as a researcher and author. She undertook extensive research in reconstructing the Desi Karanas under the guidance of Dr. Ganesh. Her most notable contribution is the book "Neo Desi Karanas," which provides an in-depth exploration of regionalized movements derived from the Natya Shastra. Through her work, she revealed 76 Desi Karanas, augmenting Sarangadeva's Sangita Ratnakara's existing 32, bringing the total to 108 identified Desi Karanas deciphered from temples in Karnataka. She also penned "Oro Sagaptham" (Padma Subramaniam – A Legend), a biography of her guru. Sundari Santhanam's contributions were recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Karnataka Kalashree Award on July 15, 2009, the Sangeetha Nritya Academy Award in 2009, Guru Sevamani conferred by Nrithyodaya, and Bharatakala Bharati by Dr. Ratnakar and Sri. Lakshminarayana Kasi, Shimoga. She was associated with a Bharatanatyam school in Bangalore, India. Her legacy continues through her research and her many students who carry forward her teachings. Awards & Honours: Karnataka Kalashree Award (2009), Sangeetha Nritya Academy Award (2009), Guru Sevamani, Bharatakala Bharati.