Anupama Mohan

🪔 About

Anupama Mohan, also known as Anupama Naidu, is a respected and celebrated Indian classical Kuchipudi dancer, guru, and institution head. Born on May 2, 1958, into a conservative Zamindar family in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, her passion for dance was identified at a tender age by her father, Venkaiha Naidu. She began her initial dance training at the age of four under Kota Subramanya Shastry for approximately four years. Her defining moment came at the age of eight when she was introduced to the legendary Kuchipudi exponent Vempati Chinna Satyam in Chennai, who was astonished by her talent and offered her training at his academy. Anupama Mohan became one of his fondest disciples and a prominent performer in his troupe, traveling globally for performances. Throughout her career, Anupama Mohan has performed in over a thousand shows and dance festivals across India and internationally, including in Italy, Egypt, and Paris. A notable performance was for former Indian President, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan. She is renowned for her portrayal of female roles in Nrutya Rupakams (dance-dramas) choreographed by Vempati Chinna Satyam, often performing alongside acclaimed dancers like Manju Bhargavi, Shobha Naidu, and Hema Malini. Her performances as Narada in 'Srikrishna Parijatham Balle,' Eruka in 'Srinivasa Kalyanam,' and Anasuya in 'Sakunthalam' are particularly popular. Although she briefly ventured into cinema, acting in Malayalam films like 'Randu Penkuttikal' and some Tamil and Kannada movies, she ultimately dedicated herself entirely to Kuchipudi. Anupama Mohan founded the 'Satyanjali Academy of Kuchipudi' (also known as Sathyaanjali Academy of Kuchipudi Dance) in Cochin, Kerala, which is recognized as the first Kuchipudi institute in the state. Through her academy, she has successfully trained over 2,000 students, significantly contributing to the popularization and authentic teaching of Kuchipudi in Kerala. Her efforts have notably improved the quality of Kuchipudi performances at the Kerala State School Arts Festival. Awards & Honours: Yuva Narthaki Award (1974), Natyavisharada title, Guruvayur Kshetra Kalapuraskar award, Mrinalini Sarabhai award, Devadasi Puraskar, Saroja Vaidyanathan Excellence Award (2025).