Datuk Ramli Ibrahim

🪔 About

Datuk Ramli Ibrahim, born on May 20, 1953, in Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia, is a globally acclaimed Malaysian choreographer and classical Indian dancer, primarily renowned for his mastery of Odissi. Initially pursuing mechanical engineering at the University of Western Australia, he simultaneously trained in classical ballet at the Australian Ballet School in Melbourne. His introduction to Indian classical dance came through fellow Malaysian dancer Zamin Haroon (Chandrabhanu). He furthered his training in Bharatanatyam under Padmashri Adyar K. Lakshman in Chennai and subsequently specialized in Odissi, studying under the late Guru Deba Prasad Das in New Delhi. Following Guru Deba Prasad Das's passing, he continued his Odissi tutelage with Guru Gajendra Kumar Panda. Returning to Malaysia in 1983, Ramli Ibrahim established the Sutra Dance Theatre in Kuala Lumpur, a pivotal institution dedicated to promoting Malaysian arts and, significantly, Indian classical dance. In 2007, he founded the Sutra Foundation to further encourage the learning and appreciation of traditional dances. He is widely credited with single-handedly establishing Odissi as a recognized and widely appreciated dance form in Malaysia, infusing it with a distinct Malaysian interpretation. As an artistic director and choreographer, he has created over 40 original dance repertoires, blending traditional and contemporary idioms. Ramli Ibrahim is recognized internationally as a cultural icon and a dynamic force in the arts, having taught generations of dancers and thinkers. Awards & Honours: Padma Shri Award (2018), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2011), Boh Cameronian Lifetime Achievement Award (2003), Lifetime Arts Achievement Award (2019), Perdana Award (2019), Tatler Most Influential Malaysia (2025), Asia's Most Influential (Malaysia) (2024), Asia's Most Influential (Malaysia) (2021), Living Heritage (2012), UNESCO Living Treasure (2012), Datukship (2013), Fulbright Distinguished Artist Award (1999), ANGARAG Lifetime Achievement Award (2006), Johan Setia Mahkota (J.S.M), Anugerah Karyawan Seni (National Arts Award) for Choreographer.