Medha Hari

🪔 About

Medha Hari is a distinguished Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, and teacher, recognized as one of the leading artistes of her generation. She began her journey in the art form at the tender age of five, developing a profound passion for dance. Her initial training spanned over 25 years under the tutelage of Guru Smt. Anitha Guha. She further honed her skills in advanced abhinaya with Smt. Bragha Bessell and is currently under the guidance of the renowned danseuse Smt. Priyadarsini Govind. Medha Hari has also completed the Marga Nritta Karana course under Ms. Vithya Arasu, focusing on the vocabulary of the 108 karanas formulated by Dr. Padma Subramaniam. Her extensive career includes performing in over 350 group performances with her teachers and other senior artistes, and she has taken on key roles in many of Smt. Anitha Guha's major productions. Medha Hari has graced numerous prestigious stages across India and internationally, including the Cleveland Thyagaraja festival in the U.S.A. for three consecutive years from 2013-2015. In August 2015, she participated in a North American tour across 19 cities as part of AIM For Seva, raising funds for the education of underprivileged children in India. Her creative process is characterized by deep research and thoughtful choreography, aiming to translate unique ideas into aesthetic presentations that harmoniously blend music and dance. Notably, in 2012, at the age of 21, Medha Hari cleared her Chartered Accountancy Examinations, but ultimately chose to pursue her true calling in dance professionally. She is also a mother to twin daughters. Her performances have garnered significant critical acclaim, with early reviews from The Hindu in 2001 and 2002 highlighting her astonishing skill and maturity beyond her years. She is based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Awards & Honours: Dr. Sunil Kothari Award for Emerging Artist (2024), Outstanding Dancer - The Music Academy, Madras (2024), Kala Ratna - Bhairavi Fine Arts, U.S.A., Natana Bhava Padhmam - Brahma Gana Sabha, Chennai, Natya Ratna - Trinity Fine Arts, Chennai, Narasimhachari and Vasanthalakshmi Narasimhachari Endowment Award - Natyarangam, Chennai, Best Individual Performer - HCL Concert Series, The Music Academy Madras (2014), Natya Chudar - Kartik Fine Arts, Chennai, Nrithya Pradarshanam - Bhairavi Fine Arts, U.S.A., Gutti Vasi Memorial Prize - Spirit of Youth Series, The Music Academy Madras (2013), Maha Nrithya Nakshathra - Maham Parampara, Chennai, Kalaa Jeeva Puraskar - Raja Charitable Trust & School of Theatre Arts, Vizag, Nrithya Mani - International Dance Festival, Orissa, Best Dancer – Sri Parthasarathy Swami Sabha, Chennai, Best Dancer - Young Talent promotion Dance Competition of The Indian Fine Arts Society.