K. Lalitha

🪔 About

Dr. Lalitha Srinivasan, a distinguished Bharatanatyam dancer, teacher, choreographer, and research scholar, was born on August 24, 1943, in Shivasamudra, Karnataka, India. Her initial training in Bharatanatyam began at the age of ten under Guru H. R. Keshava Murthy in Bangalore. After a brief hiatus following her marriage at 19, she delved into dance theory, achieving first rank in proficiency exams, and made her Bharatanatyam debut in 1966. She received advanced training in the Mysore style of Bharatanatyam, specializing in abhinaya, under the legendary Mysore Court dancer Dr. K. Venkatalakshamma. She also studied the Muguru style under Jejamma. Known for her profound mastery over abhinaya, Lalitha Srinivasan has preserved and transmitted rare and authentic compositions of the Mysore school. She has performed extensively across India and internationally, and has conducted numerous lecture-demonstrations. Her choreographic works include numerous dance ballets such as Chitrangadha, Sri Krishna Parijatha, Lasyotsava, Prem Bhakti Mukti, Koushika Sukritam, Gowdara Malli, Deva Kannika, Anveshane, and Nisha Vibhrama. She is particularly lauded for her innovative contributions like Anga Bhava, Kavya Nritya, and Sulalitha Nritya, which revived the 16th-century dance form, Suladi. Her research on 'Sulalitha Nritya' earned her a fellowship from the Central Cultural Department, and her studies at Wesleyan University in the U.S.A. further enriched her creative work. In 1978, she founded the Nupura School of Bharatanatyam in Bangalore, dedicated to teaching and promoting the Mysore style. For over three decades, she directed 'Nitya Nritya,' a national-level dance festival in Bangalore. She has authored books including 'Dance in Karnataka,' 'Dance Sculptures of Karnataka,' and a biography of Guru Venkatalakshamma, published by the Karnataka Sangeeta Nritya Academy. Dr. Srinivasan also holds a master's degree and a DLitt in History. Her daughter, Manu Srinivasan, serves as the secretary of the Nupura School. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Award (2023), Karnataka Kalatilaka (1990), Rajyotsava Prashasti (1999), Shantala Natya Shri Award (1996), Shiromani Award (1987), Priyadarshini Award, Lions Award for Promoting (1987), Karnataka Rathna by Jhenkar (1990), Aryabhatta Annual Award (Natya Shantala title) (1996), Drishti Award for Contribution to dance (2008), Honorary doctorate from Women's University of Bijapur, Fellow of the Ministry of Human Resource Development – Government of India.