Viraja Mandhre

🪔 About

Viraja Mandhre is an accomplished Indian classical dancer, primarily trained in Bharatanatyam and also proficient in Kathakali. She completed her postgraduate studies in Bharatanatyam from the esteemed Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai in 2009. During her time at Kalakshetra, she was recognized as the Best Outgoing Student for the 2003-07 batch. Mandhre has had the privilege of training under and collaborating with eminent gurus such as Smt. Leela Samson, the Dhananjayans, and for Kathakali, Sadanam Balakrishnan. Mandhre was a integral part of the Kalakshetra Repertory Company, where she undertook significant roles and toured internationally. She also served as a part-time faculty member at her alma mater. Currently, Viraja Mandhre, along with Shyamjith Kiran, explores independent artistic pursuits, performing, choreographing, and teaching globally in cities like New York, Paris, London, Singapore, and Chennai. They are empaneled artists with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and graded artists with Doordarshan. Together, they have co-founded the dance company "Tridha." Her performances include notable works such as 'Pareekshana,' 'Mudivil Oru Aarambam,' 'Svam,' 'Aham,' 'Rekha,' 'Eeram,' and 'Samaagati.' She has also received acclaim for her portrayal of 'Psyche' in Sadanam Balakrishnan's Kathakali dance drama and has performed as Sita and Kaikayi in the Ramayana series, as well as being part of Smt. Leela Samson's choreography 'Spanda.' Mandhre is actively involved in teaching, conducting workshops internationally, and mentoring the next generation of dancers. Awards & Honours: Best Outgoing Student.