Bragha Bassel

🪔 About

Bragha Bessell is widely regarded as one of the finest exponents of Bharatanatyam of her generation, celebrated for her command of nritta (pure dance) and her rare depth in abhinaya (expressive interpretation). Her formal training in Bharatanatyam began under the tutelage of Guru Mangudi Durairaj Iyer, and she performed her arangetram in 1967. She further honed her skills under an illustrious lineage of gurus, including Sri P.S. Kunchithapadam Pillai, Padma Shri Adyar K. Lakshman (for nritta), and Padma Bhushan Smt. Kalanidhi Narayanan (for abhinaya). She also trained under Guru Kamalarani for nattuvangam. Throughout her career spanning over five decades, Bragha Bessell has given numerous recitals and performances in India and overseas, receiving international acclaim. Her performances have taken her to the United States, United Kingdom, Middle East, Europe, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka. She is also a sought-after teacher and choreographer, conducting workshops and lecture-demonstrations globally. Her classes in abhinaya, interpretation, and choreography are eagerly attended by senior dancers, teachers, and students. Since 2005, she has been a visiting faculty member, teaching abhinaya classes for advanced students at the esteemed Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai. Bragha Bessell's original choreography in Bharatanatyam and abhinaya has earned wide appreciation. Her abhinaya technique has been incorporated by performing professionals from other major dance forms like Mohiniyattam, Odissi, and Kathak. She has also performed for national and international television channels, including Madras Doordarshan, Delhi Doordarshan, Japan TV, Belgium TV, German TV, and Holland TV. Awards & Honours: Kalakusuma Award (2000), Acharya Ratnakara (2013), Nritya Kalanidhi (2022), Lifetime Achievement Award from Trinity Arts Festival of India (2025), Nritya Perunjyoti from ABHAI (2026), Guru Pranam award from Natyasutra Online (2026), Special Awards from Krishna Gana Sabha, Special Awards from Fine Arts Foundation.