Mahankali Surya Narayana Sarma

🪔 About

Mahankali Surya Narayana Sarma is a renowned Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam guru, born in Kuchipudi, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India. He inherited the Kuchipudi dance form from his ancestors and received training from notable gurus including his father, Sri Mahamkali Sathyanarayana, his elder brother Kalaanidhi Mahamkali Sreeramulu, and Dr. Vempati China Sathyam. He also studied Bharatanatyam under Kalaaprapoorna B.H.Y. Sarma, through whom he earned diplomas in both Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam. Additionally, he pursued music under Sri Y. Seetha Ramanjaneyaulu and Sanskrit and Telugu from Sri Varada Charya. Sarma commenced his career as a dance master in 1972. In 1975, he established the Thirumala Arts Academy and Sri Venkateswara Cultural Association in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, where he continues to impart training in Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam, preparing students for diploma examinations. With over 33 years of experience in dance and music training, he has taught more than 3500 students both in India and internationally. He is also credited with composing approximately 1200 classical dances and over 50 dance dramas and Yakshaganas. Throughout his career, he has performed numerous solos and portrayed various characters in Yakshaganams, including Prahlada, Lava Kusa, Hiranyakasyapa, Krishna, Indra, Dhanavanthari, and Vishnu. He is recognized as a Pandit in Sahitya Vidya Praveena. Awards & Honours: Kala Ratna (Hamsa) Award (2017).