Indu Varma

🪔 About

Indu Varma, also known as Indu Jayanthi Varma, is a renowned Indian classical Bharatanatyam dancer and guru. A descendant of the Royal Family of Cochin, her formal training in Bharatanatyam commenced at the age of six under the tutelage of Padma Bhushan awardee Kamala Laxman. Her arangetram, a traditional debut performance, took place at the prestigious Music Academy in Chennai. She further refined her artistry and deepened her understanding of the dance form by continuing her training under the esteemed Natyacarya K. P. Kittappa Pillai of Tanjavur. This extensive and rigorous training under legendary gurus provided the foundation for her distinguished career. Indu Varma has performed extensively both within India and internationally, establishing herself as a prominent artist in the field of Bharatanatyam. Her unwavering commitment to preserving India's rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions is evident in her work. She is the co-founder and driving force behind Tapasya Kala Sampradaya, an institution dedicated to this vision. Beyond her performances and institutional leadership, Indu Varma has also contributed significantly to the academic and research aspects of dance. She served as a former member of the Board of Studies, Faculty of Dance, at the University of Madras. Her intellectual contributions extend to authorship, having penned and published books and articles on traditional culture and spirituality. Furthermore, she was an integral part of the research team for "Marainduvarum Marabugal," a documentary project supported by the India Foundation for the Arts, Bangalore, focused on cultural preservation. Currently, Indu Varma holds the position of Head of Department of Natya at MGR Janaki College in Chennai, where she continues to impart her knowledge and passion for Bharatanatyam to the next generation of dancers. For over 15 years, she has dedicated efforts to support hereditary artistes from the Tanjore Quartet, underscoring her commitment to the traditional roots of the art form. Awards & Honours: Bharatha Nritya Priya, Padma Bharathi.