Manju Barggavee

🪔 About

Manju Bhargavi is a highly acclaimed Indian classical dancer and actress, primarily known for her mastery of the Kuchipudi dance form. Born on September 17, 1955, her journey in dance began at the age of nine when she started training at the Kuchipudi Art Academy in Chennai. She gave her first Kuchipudi performance at the age of 13. Manju Bhargavi was a prime disciple of the renowned Guru Vempati Chinna Satyam, under whom she perfected the intricate features of Kuchipudi, distinguishing her style. She has performed lead roles in many of her Guru's Kuchipudi dance ballets, including Lord Venkateswara in Padmavathi Srinivasa Kalyanam, Sri Krishna in Sri Krishna Parijatham, and Siva in Harivilasam. In 1978, Manju Bhargavi formed her own dance troupe and has since given over 2000 performances globally, including in Canada, USA, Malaysia, and Kenya, as well as on national television. She has also performed in various dance festivals across India. Beyond her dance career, she is recognized for her acting, particularly her role as 'Tulasi' in the internationally acclaimed musical film 'Shankarabharanam' (1979/1980). She also appeared in a classical dance sequence with Kamal Haasan in 'Saagara Sangamam'. Manju Bhargavi founded and runs a dance school named "Natyavedam" in Bangalore, where approximately 40 students are currently learning Kuchipudi under her guidance. Many of her students have gone on to become independent performers and teachers. She is also the Chairperson of the Kuchipudi Syllabus Committee for Dance exams in Karnataka and a Senate Member for Performing Arts at the All Women's University, Tirupathi. She plans to establish a Kuchipudi Research Centre in Bangalore. Awards & Honours: Natya Mayuri, Natya Rani, Uttam Sahiti Murthy, Sri Vedantam Jaganath Sharma Vamsee Berkeley Award (1991), Rajyotsava Award (2004).