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About
Dr. Sunanda Nair is a leading Indian classical dancer, acclaimed as a prominent exponent of Mohiniyattam, a classical dance style of Kerala. Born in Mumbai, India, she began her initial training in Bharatanatyam at the age of six and Kathakali at ten under Kalamandalam Krishnan Kutty Warrier. Her profound dedication to dance led her to pursue higher…
Journey Timeline
1973 (approx)
Began Bharatanatyam training — At age six.
1977 (approx)
Began Kathakali training — At age ten.
1982
Founded Srutilaya Institute of Fine Arts — In Mumbai.
1989
Graduated with Bachelor of Fine Arts in Mohiniyattam — From Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya, University of Mumbai.
1991
Completed Master of Fine Arts in Mohiniyattam — From Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya, University of Mumbai; first student in India to achieve this.
1991-1999
Served as Lecturer in Mohiniyattam — At Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya.
1994
Cleared NET exams
2002
Established Sunanda's Performing Art Centre (SPARC) — Initially in New Orleans, USA.
2003
Received Best Ethnic Classical Arts Award — New Orleans.
2005
Relocated SPARC to Houston — Following Cyclone Katrina.
2010
Received "Kalaasagar" award — In memory of Late Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval.
2011
Received Kalasree Award — From Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi.
2012
Began PhD research — Under the guidance of Dr. Kanak Rele.
2014
Received Brahma Nritya Mani, Rashtra Vibhushan, Devadasi National Award, Natyashree
2015
Received Vaishaki excellence Natyasri Award, Kala Nipuna
2016
Received Kalarathnam — From Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed University.
2016
Submitted PhD thesis — To the University of Mumbai.
2017
Received Nalanda Kanaka Nartana Puraskaar, Bhaskar Award
2018
Received Muthirai Pathitha Vithagar, Citation from Bangalore Club for Kathakali & the Arts, Anantha Margaseersha Natya Puraskaram
2019
Received Global Excellence Award for Performing Arts
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Awards & Honors
- 2024 · Sangeet Natak Akademi Award — Sangeet Natak Akademi
- 2011 · Kalasree Award (Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award) — Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi
- 2016 · Kalarathnam — Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed University
- 2020 · Nrithya Seva Mani award — Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival
- 2018 · Muthirai Pathitha Vithagar — Natyanjali Festival, Natyanjali Trust
- 2017 · Nalanda Kanaka Nartana Puraskaar — Nalanda Dance Research Centre
- 2020 · Global Mannam award — Nair Service Society of North America
- 2019 · Global Excellence Award for Performing Arts — 6th International Media Conference
- 2010 · Kalaasagar — in memory of Late Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval
- Abhinaya shiromani — Surya Performing Arts, Missouri, USA
- Singar Mani — Sur Singar Samsad, Mumbai
- Nelluvai Nambeeshan Smarak Award for Mohiniattam
- Natya Mayuri — Natyanjali Trust, Chennai
- 2003 · Best Ethnic Classical Arts Award — New Orleans
- Global Excellence Dance Award — New Orleans
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