Anupama Menon

🪔 About

Anupama Menon is an accomplished Indian classical dancer specializing in Mohiniyattam, based in Thrissur, India. She received her training in Mohiniyattam under the tutelage of the renowned Guru Nirmala Paniker. Beyond Mohiniyattam, Menon has also trained in Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Kathakali, though Mohiniyattam remains her primary focus. She is an active member of the classical dance community and has been featured in the Narthaki archives. Menon serves as a guest faculty member for Mohiniyattam at RLV College. She is also a PhD scholar at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit (SSUS), Kalady, indicating her commitment to research within the art form. Anupama Menon is known for her innovative work, notably her collaboration with her husband, Neelamperoor Suresh Kumar, a noted idakka artiste and music faculty. Together, they developed and perform "Sopanalasyam," a unique presentation that blends Mohiniyattam with Sopana Sangeetham, aiming to revive the historical connection between these two art forms. Their first "Sopanalasyam" performance took place at Koodalmanikyam Temple in 2008. She also performed "Desi Mohiniyattam," a style revived by her guru Nirmala Paniker, at the Sangeet Natak Akademi in Thrissur in 2003. Her dedication to the art form has earned her several accolades, including the Ustad Bismillah Khan Puraskar in 2016 and multiple Kalasagar awards. Awards & Honours: Ustad Bismillah Khan Puraskar (2016), Kalasagar Award, Nrithya Nipuna Award, Padmavathi Nrithya Prathibha Puraskar, Kalasagar Awards for excellence in traditional performing arts (Mohiniyattam) (2022), Kalasagar Awards for excellence in traditional performing arts (Overall Contribution/Scholarship in Performing Arts) (2019).