48+
Years of Experience
8+
Students Taught
1
Followers
❖ Guru Parampara ❖
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Madurai R. Muralidharan is a highly acclaimed figure in Indian classical dance, renowned as a dancer, composer, choreographer, lyricist, playwright, director, and guru of Bharatanatyam. Born in Madurai, India, he began his Bharatanatyam training at the age of seven under Guru Kalaimamani Chamundeeswari, a senior disciple of Padmashree K.N. Dandayudapani…
Journey Timeline
c. 1971
Initiated in Bharatanatyam — Began training at age 7 under Guru Kalaimamani Chamundeeswari.
1978
Co-founded Nrithyakshetra Dance Academy — Established the academy with his wife, Smt. Chithra Muralidharan.
1993
Penned first composition — Composed his first varnam, "Simhavahini".
2001
Recognized by critic Subbudu — Acknowledged for ushering in a new era of composing varnams for Bharatanatyam.
2003
Received Nrithyaswaroopi award — Awarded by the Indian Arts academy (Australia).
2017
Honored by President of Canada — For "Bharathamile," a production involving 1000 dancers for Canada Day celebrations.
2018
Set multiple world records with "Chaturvidham" festival — Organized "The Largest Bharatanatayam Dance Lesson" with 359 students, setting Guinness, Asia, and India Book of Records. Also organized "Dhimahi" festival.
2019
Received Kalaimamani Award — Highest civilian award in Tamil Nadu from the state government.
2020
Composed 25 Varnams in 25 days — Set a world record during the lockdown period.
2021
Set multiple world records for virtual performances — Led 125 dancers worldwide to present 50 unique jathis on a virtual platform. Also composed and taught a varnam on Tamil Annai to 698 people, setting his third Guinness World Record and raising funds for COVID-19 relief.
2022
Received multiple awards and presented "Sanga Tamil" — Awards include Mayura Nrithya Sagaram, Natya Sadhanai Chemmal, Kalai Chemmal, and Lifetime Achievement Award from Abhai Association. Presented "Sanga Tamil" production at FeTNA in USA.
2023
Received Lifetime Achievement and Natya Achaarya Choodamani awards — Conferred Lifetime Achievement Award by Niruthia Nithyalaya of Chennai and Natyanjali Academy Association of Malaysia, and Natya Achaarya Choodamani from Puducherry Natyanjali Trust.
2024
Organized World Record Union record — For the most people dancing with swords simultaneously (Hybrid) with 1346 members.
2026
Debuted as lyricist for cine music — With the song "Othaiyadi".
Photo Gallery
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Video Library
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Signature Performances
Signature repertoire pieces will be showcased here.
Performance Map
A world map of performances will appear here as tours are recorded.
Awards & Honors
- 2019 · Kalaimamani Award — Tamil Nadu state government
- Kala Seva Bharathi — Bharath Kalachar
- 2021 · Kartik Award of Excellence — Kartik Fine Awards
- 2022 · Mayura Nrithya Sagaram
- 2022 · Natya Sadhanai Chemmal — Abhai Association of Bharatanatyam Artistes of India
- 2022 · Kalai Chemmal — Sangamam Global Academy
- 2022 · Lifetime Achievement Award — Abhai Association of Bharatanatayam Artistes of India
- 2023 · Lifetime Achievement Award — Niruthia Nithyalaya of Chennai and Natyanjali Academy Association of Malaysia
- 2023 · Natya Achaarya Choodamani — Puducherry Natyanjali Trust
- Parambara Noothana — Pothy's Parambara Classic Awards
- 2003 · Nrithyaswaroopi — Indian Arts academy (Australia)
- Bharatha Kala Thapasvi
- Natya Perarasu
- Natya Siromani
- Muthirai Pathitha Vithagar
Media Coverage
- 334 pairs of feet moved in unison to rare talaas in Chennai
New Indian Express
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