Shijith Nambiar

🪔 About

Shijith Nambiar is an internationally acclaimed Bharatanatyam performer, choreographer, and teacher, recognized for his exceptional choreographic skill and musical sense. He began his journey into Bharatanatyam by joining Kalakshetra in 1996, where he completed his graduation and post-graduation, and later served as a faculty member. After establishing himself as a solo dancer, Nambiar resigned from Kalakshetra in 2008 to pursue a freelance career, often performing as a duo with his wife and dance partner, Parvathy Menon. Their performances have garnered acclaim from prominent exponents in India and abroad, and they have collaborated with various production companies and participated in dance festivals globally. Nambiar has also worked with renowned figures such as G. Narendra, the Dhananjayans, and Leela Samson. His artistic versatility extends to learning other classical dance forms like Kathakali, Ottamthullal, Kuchipudi, and Mohiniattam, alongside music and mridangam. In 2016, Shijith Nambiar and Parvathy Menon embarked on their dream project, "Sakhi," a creative space and center for learning, sharing, showcasing, and teaching the arts, located in Panaiyur, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This initiative, which gained momentum during the pandemic, operates under the Chidagni Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to rural education and making arts accessible. Nambiar now primarily guides as a choreographer, while Parvathy Menon performs with their students. Awards & Honours: Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar, Bharat Kala Ratna award (2020), Obul Reddy Senior Dancers Award, Outstanding Dancers from the Madras Music Academy (2023), Best dancer (Bharatanatyam seniors) at the 18th Annual Dance Festival presented by Madras Music Academy (2025), Yuvabharathi.