Indira Manikam

🪔 About

“Nattuva Thilagam” Mrs. Indira Manikam is a highly respected and prominent figure in Indian classical dance, particularly Bharatanatyam, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She began her dance journey at the tender age of two, demonstrating an early passion for the art form. At the age of nine, her grandfather brought her to Thanjavur, India, where she received her formal training in Bharatanatyam from the Tanjore Pichaiya Pillai Bharatha Natya Vidyalaya. She and her sister, Kamala, performed their arangetram (dance graduation) at the historic Tanjore Sangeetha Mahal in India. In 1966, Indira Manikam, along with her sister Kamala, co-founded the Tanjai Kamala Indira Dance School (TKI Dance School). This institution has since become one of Malaysia's leading dance schools and was recognized by the Malaysia Book of Records in 2016 as the longest-operating training dance school in the country. Over her impressive 60-year career, she has taught over 1,000 students and directed more than 30 dance dramas. She has also conducted 1,000 Salangai Poojas and Arangetrams. The TKI Dance School, which offers classes in Bharatanatyam, Veenai, vocal, and Thevaram, operates from her home on Jalan Ipoh in Kuala Lumpur. Beyond her teaching and performance career, Mrs. Indira Manikam has played significant roles in promoting Indian dance and culture. She founded the Malaysia Bharathanatyam Dance Association in 2009, aiming to unite dance teachers and students across the country. She has also served as the Chairperson of the Women Section of the Silambam Organisation from 1995 to 1998 and is a council member of the Tamil Artist Association. She is married to Dr. Manikam and is a mother of three and a grandmother of two. Awards & Honours: Anugerah Tokoh Seni Budaya Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur (2023), Lifetime Achievement Award (2026), Narthana Peroli, Gnanaoli Thiruchudar, Natiya Sudaroli, Natiya Kalai Arasi, Natiya Kala Devi, Natiya Kala Rani, Nattuva Thilagam, Kalaimamani, Natya Nadaga Thilagam.