Narendran P T

🪔 About

P.T. Narendran is a highly renowned Indian classical dancer, choreographer, nattuvanar, and teacher, celebrated as one of Bharatanatyam's most significant modern-day international ambassadors. Born in Kerala, India, into a family with a five-generation legacy in the folk dance form Kai Kotti Kali, Narendran's initial dance training came from his sister, Kalamandalam Ambika. His formal education in classical dance commenced at the age of eleven at the prestigious Kalakshetra College of Fine Arts in Chennai, where he trained under the watchful eye of its founder, Rukmini Devi Arundale. Narendran graduated with first-class honors and continued his postgraduate studies at Kalakshetra. In 1989, he became a principal dancer at the institution, a role he held for approximately 28 years, becoming a star member of the Kalakshetra repertory and notably portraying Rama in the acclaimed Ramayana series. Beyond Bharatanatyam, he also mastered Kathakali at Kalakshetra, fulfilling Rukmini Devi's vision for male dancers to excel in both forms. Since 1999, Narendran has pursued a freelance career, enchanting audiences across five continents with his powerful and dynamic performances. He is particularly noted for bringing a masculine strength and flexibility to Bharatanatyam, a form often dominated by female performers, executing precise hand gestures, intricate footwork, and vivid facial expressions. As a choreographer, Narendran has created numerous dance projects in Asia, Africa, and Europe, and has also choreographed for theatre and modern dance. At 57 years old (as of April 2025), he continues to perform, teach, and inspire, focusing on depth and storytelling in his art. He is currently in the process of establishing his own dance school in Chennai. Awards & Honours: Bharata Natya Kalaingan certificate (1989), Silver trophy (1995), Gnana Oli Thiru Thondar Award (2001).