Padmini Ramachandran

🪔 About

Padmini Ramachandran (born June 12, 1932, in Trivandrum, Travancore, now Kerala; died September 24, 2006, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India) was a celebrated Indian actress and Bharatanatyam dancer, famously known as "Naattiya Peroli" (Supreme Radiance of Dance) of Tamil Cinema. She was one of the renowned "Travancore sisters," alongside her elder sister Lalitha and younger sister Ragini, who left an indelible mark on Indian cinema and classical dance. Padmini received extensive training in Indian classical dance forms. She was trained in Bharatanatyam under the esteemed Thiruvidaimarudur Mahalingam Pillai (also known as T.K. Mahalingam Pillai or Guru Mahalingam Pillai) and Vazhuvoor B. Ramaiah Pillai. She also learned Kathakali and Kerala Natanam under the legendary Guru Gopinath. Her career began at a young age, debuting as a dancer in the Tamil film "Kannika" in 1947 and the Hindi film "Kalpana" in 1948. Padmini performed in over 250 films across various languages, including Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu, and Russian, showcasing her exceptional dance skills and acting prowess. After marrying US-based physician Ramachandran in 1961, she relocated to the United States. In 1977, Padmini established the Padmini School of Fine Arts in New Jersey, dedicating herself to teaching Indian classical dance. The institution grew to become one of the largest Indian classical dance schools in the United States, with some sources indicating five branches in New York and New Jersey. Her legacy continues through her students and the institution she founded. Awards & Honours: Kalaimamani Award (1958), Best Classical Dancer Award (1957), Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (South) (1990), Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress, Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress.