Sushama Ranganathan

🪔 About

Sushama Ranganathan is a distinguished Bharatanatyam exponent, deeply rooted in the Thanjavur bani of the legendary T. Balasaraswati. She is the granddaughter of the illustrious Sanskrit scholar and Indologist Dr. V. Raghavan, and the daughter and disciple of Smt. Nandini Ramani, a senior Bharatanatyam exponent and scholar. Sushama Ranganathan received her primary training from her mother, Nandini Ramani, and also from K. Ganesan, with additional expert guidance from Priyamvada Sankar. Throughout her career, Sushama Ranganathan has graced numerous cultural organizations in Chennai and other states with her Bharatanatyam performances. Her recitals are noted for their adherence to the non-exhibitionist style of the Kandappa Pillai bani, characterized by subtle yet intricate nritta sequences and understated abhinaya. In 2017, she presented a themed Bharatanatyam recital titled 'Muttamizhil Murugan,' a compilation of margam compositions dedicated to Lord Muruga. She has also performed alongside her mother, Nandini Ramani, notably at the Narada Gana Sabha in 1995. Beyond her performing career, Sushama Ranganathan is actively involved in teaching, training students at her branch of the Dr. V. Raghavan Centre in Chennai, an institution dedicated to promoting Sanskrit language, Indian culture, and the Bharatanatyam tradition of T. Balasaraswati. She is also a graded artist for Doordarshan Chennai, trained in Carnatic Vocal Music, and an actor in Sanskrit plays for Samskrita Ranga.