Adyar K Lakshman

About

Adyar K. Lakshman, a revered Indian classical dancer, choreographer, and guru, was born on December 16, 1933, in Kuppam, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, where his father, Krishnaraja Rao, was a school teacher. His exceptional musical and rhythmic talents, along with his brother Rama Rao, were recognized by P.D. Doraiswamy Iyer, a representative of Rukmini Devi Arundale, the visionary founder of Kalakshetra. Lakshman began his education at Kalakshetra in 1944 at the age of eleven, receiving comprehensive training in vocal music, Bharatanatyam, mridangam, and nattuvangam. He had the privilege of learning Bharatanatyam from eminent gurus including Rukmini Devi Arundale, Karaikal Saradamba Ammal, Peria Sarada, Sarada Hoffman, and Mylapore Gowri Ammal. His vocal music mentors included Tiger Varadhachari and Mysore Vasudevacharya, while his nattuvangam skills were honed under Rukmini Devi, Peria Sarada, and K.N. Dandayuthapani Pillai. He also specialized in mridangam under Tanjore Rajagopala Iyer, V. Vittal Iyer, and Karaikudi Muthu Iyer. Notably, Lakshman also trained in Kathakali under maestros Ambu Panicker and Chandu Panicker, even performing as Sudhama in 'Kuchela Vrittam'. Graduating in 1954 with diplomas in Bharatanatyam, Carnatic music, and nattuvangam, he continued his studies at Kalakshetra, earning a post-graduate diploma in 1956. He participated in Kalakshetra's renowned dance productions and later taught there at the age of 22. After more than a decade of teaching at Vyjayantimala Bali's Natyalaya, where he choreographed and assisted in productions, Lakshman founded his own institution, the Bharata Choodamani Academy of Fine Arts, on August 22, 1969, in Chennai. Adyar K. Lakshman became a leading nattuvanar, choreographer, and composer, creating numerous dance pieces and dance dramas like "Varunapuri Kuravanji" and "Aiychiar Kuravai." He also choreographed classical dance sequences for films such as "Hamsa Geethe." His teaching legacy is profound, having trained a vast number of students, many of whom became renowned dancers and established their own schools globally, adhering to the traditional Kalakshetra style. He was honored with the Kalaimamani in 1981, the Padma Shri in 1989, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1991, and the Sangeetha Kala Acharya in 2004. Adyar K. Lakshman passed away on August 19, 2014, in Chennai, leaving an indelible mark on Indian classical dance. Awards & Honours: Kalaimamani (1981), Padma Shri (1989), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1991), Sangeetha Kala Acharya (2004).

Skills & Expertise

Highlights