Uma Murali

🪔 About

Uma Murali is a highly acclaimed Indian classical dancer proficient in both Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. She began her dance journey at the age of five, initially training in Bharatanatyam under the esteemed gurus Padmashri K.N. Dhandayudhapani Pillai and later Padmashri Adyar K. Lakshman. Her arangetram took place in 1973. In 1987, at the age of 22, she dedicated herself to Kuchipudi, studying under the legendary Padma Bhushan Vempati Chinna Satyam. Her Kuchipudi Rangapravesam was in 1991. Known for her "unprecedented and graceful intensity" and popularly acclaimed as "Poetry in movement", Uma Murali has captivated audiences across India and internationally, performing in cultural centers in countries like Australia, Switzerland, Portugal, Germany, and Singapore. She is an "A Top" grade artiste in Doordarshan and an empaneled artiste with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. Uma Murali has to her credit several unique dance productions, including "Sura Sundari Vaibhavam" (a ballet on celestial dancers), "Yagnaseni" (the story of Draupadi), and "Prakruthi" (on the five elements), some of which were supported by the Ministry of Culture. Her DVDs, "Soundarya Manjari" and "Madhurya Murali," have received global acclaim. She is the artistic director and founder of Subhasheelam Academy of Fine Arts, established in memory of her parents, where she imparts training to aspiring dancers. In 2023, Uma Murali celebrated 50 years of her illustrious dancing career with a series of events in Chennai. Awards & Honours: Natyakala Rathna, Singaarmani, Shri Kanchi Kamakoti award, Best dancer endowment award, Yuva Kala Bharathi, Kalaimamani, Nadana Mamani, Citation for outstanding contribution in the field of Kuchipudi dance.