V.P. Dhananjayan

🪔 About

Vannadil Pudiyaveettil Dhananjayan, born on April 30, 1939, in Payyanur, Kannur District, Kerala, India, is a highly esteemed figure in Indian classical dance, renowned for his mastery in Bharatanatyam and Kathakali. He was brought to Kalakshetra, Chennai, at the age of 13, joining on October 5, 1953, and was initiated into Kathakali and Bharatanatyam on October 18, 1953, on the auspicious day of Vijayadasami. Dhananjayan trained under legendary gurus like Rukmini Devi Arundale, the founder of Kalakshetra, and Guru Chandu Panicker. He graduated from Kalakshetra with a Postgraduate Diploma in Dance (Bharatanatyam and Kathakali) with distinction, and also holds a B.A. degree in Economics and Politics. From 1955 to 1967, he served as a leading male dancer and teacher at Kalakshetra, becoming synonymous with the character of Sri Rama in the institution's Ramayana series. In 1968, along with his wife Shanta Dhananjayan, he co-founded Bharata Kalanjali in Adyar, Chennai, which has since become one of India's most respected institutions for Bharatanatyam. The Dhananjayans are known for adhering to the strict classicism of the Kalakshetra style while exploring new themes and movements without compromising tradition. They also established Bhaaskara, an academy of arts in Payyanur, Kerala, and have been conducting an annual summer gurukulam camp at the Satchidananda Ashram, Yogaville, Virginia, USA, since 1988. Dhananjayan is also a prolific writer, with publications including "Dhananjayan on Indian Classical Dance" (2004) and "Beyond Performing Art and Culture: Politico-Socio Aspects" (2007). Awards & Honours: Padma Bhushan (2009), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1994), Kalaimamani (1990), Nritya Choodamani (1983), Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Fellowship (1993), Sangeeta Kala Acharya (2005), Nritya Rathnakara (2009), Kala-Sreshta (2001), Guru Sreshta Award (2009), Keraleeya Nritya Natya Puraskaram (2019), Sangeetha Kala Vibhushan (2020), Guru Gopinath National Drama Award (2025), Honorary Doctorate (2011), GD Birla International recognition for outstanding contribution to Bhaarateeya (Indian) Art & culture (2010), World Peace Award.