Voleti Rangamani

🪔 About

Voleti Rangamani, a distinguished figure in Indian classical dance, particularly Kuchipudi, was born in 1955 in Eluru, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh. She is the daughter of the renowned Kuchipudi Guru C.R. Acharyalu, who dedicated his life to dance and was an authority in Karnaas, Tandavams, and Prenkhini Natyams. Rangamani began her dance journey at the tender age of four, learning the 'Simhanandini' episode of Kuchipudi from her father. Her rigorous training continued under Bhrahmasri Vendantham Prahlada Sharma at Eluru, where she achieved proficiency in the traditional Kuchipudi repertoire. Voleti Rangamani has been instrumental in reviving and popularizing ancient temple ritual dances such as 'Simhanandini', 'Mayura Kautvam', and 'Mahalakshmi Udbhavam', which involve drawing figures with footwork on a canvas. She was closely involved in her father's extensive research on these forgotten dance forms and the ancient Devadasi culture, later conducting her own research by traveling across South India and documenting valuable information from aged Kalavanthulu (Devadasees). To further her mission of preserving and promoting these arts, she established the "Abhinaya Darpana Arts Academy" in Hyderabad in 1980, where she trains numerous students. She also founded the 'Simhanandini Charitable Trust' in 1998 to provide financial assistance to needy and elderly Kuchipudi Gurus. In 2024, Voleti Rangamani celebrated five decades as a Kuchipudi Guru, a testament to her profound dedication and significant contributions to the art form. Awards & Honours: Natya Ramani (1990), Natya Visharada (1991), Simhanandini (1994), Kalamani (Surya Chandra Ugadi award) (1995), Durgabai Deshmukh award (1996), Guru Shishya Puraskaram (1997), Kalamani (Suryachandra and Ugadi Puraskaram) (1998), Telugu Panduga award (2001), Natyaranga' Mani (2002), Women of the year (2003), K.V.S. Award (2008), Senior fellowship (2011), Ugadi Purashkaram (2011), Hamsa (Kalaratna) Award (2012).