R. Rhadha

🪔 About

Smt. R. Rhadha, often referred to as Guru Rhadha, is a renowned Indian classical dancer, guru, and choreographer, celebrated for her mastery of the Vazhuvoor style of Bharatanatyam. Born on December 31, 1941, she began her dance journey at the tender age of five. Rhadha received her primary training in Bharatanatyam from her elder sister, Kamala, and was a star pupil of the esteemed Natyacharya Vazhuvoor Shri Ramaiah Pillai, a pivotal figure in the Vazhuvoor tradition. She also expanded her repertoire by learning Kuchipudi from the eminent Guru Shri Vempatti Chinna Satyam. Rhadha's performing career spans over six decades, during which she performed extensively across India and internationally alongside her sisters Kamala and Vasanthi. Her performances graced official functions attended by world leaders such as Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Radhakrishnan, Dwight Eisenhower, Queen Elizabeth II, and Chou-en-lei. In 1982, Rhadha established her Bharatanatyam school, Pushpanjali, in Chennai (then Madras), which has since nurtured numerous dancers. She is known for her dedication to one-on-one teaching, ensuring the preservation of the unadulterated Vazhuvoor bani. As a prolific choreographer, Rhadha has created and produced several acclaimed dance dramas and thematic presentations, including "Nouka Charitram," "Meenakshi Ammai Pillai Thamizh," "Bhavaiye Padmanabham," and "Jaya Jaya Devi," the latter composed by violin maestro Lalgudi Shri G. Jayaraman. Her work "Nauka Charitram" was even telecast nationally by Doordarshan. Her significant contributions to Indian classical dance have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. She received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2005 for her excellence in Bharatanatyam. Other accolades include the Sangita Kala Acharya from the Music Academy, Acharya Choodamani from Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, Kalaimamani, and the Nritya Ratnakara from the Cleveland Cultural Alliance. Rhadha continues to be a fierce advocate for the Vazhuvoor tradition, inspiring new generations of dancers. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2005), Sangita Kala Acharya, Acharya Choodamani, Kalaimamani, Nritya Ratnakara.