What is the history of the Sri Rajarajeswari Bharatha Natya Kala Mandir?

The Sri Rajarajeswari Bharatha Natya Kala Mandir, Mumbai's oldest Bharatanatyam institution, was founded in 1945 by Guru Govindraj Pillai and his sister Karunambal. Over the past 80 years, the school has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting India's classical dance legacy.

Who are some of the notable alumni of the Sri Rajarajeswari Bharatha Natya Kala Mandir?

The school has trained many renowned dancers, including film icons like Waheeda Rehman, Kamini Kaushal, and Gopi Krishna, as well as Bharatanatyam exponents such as Vani Ganapathy, Sudha Chandrasekhar, Viji Prakash, and Lata Pada.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Matunga Dance School Celebrates 80 Years of Preserving India's Bharatanatyam Legacy

Matunga Dance School Celebrates 80 Years of Preserving India's Bharatanatyam Legacy

Q: How did the 80th anniversary of the Sri Rajarajeswari Bharatha Natya Kala Mandir celebrate the school's legacy?

The 80th anniversary event in October 2025 was honored by legendary danseuse Padma Subrahmanyam and Thanjavur royalty Shrimant Babaji Rajah Bhonsle Chhatrapati, who praised the institution's enduring impact on preserving India's classical dance tradition.

18 Oct

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Summary

Mumbai's oldest Bharatanatyam institution, founded in 1945
Trained renowned dancers like Waheeda Rehman, Kamini Kaushal, and Gopi Krishna
Honored by legendary danseuse Padma Subrahmanyam and Thanjavur royalty

Matunga Dance School Celebrates 80 Years of Preserving India's Bharatanatyam Legacy

In October 2025, Mumbai's Sri Rajarajeswari Bharatha Natya Kala Mandir, the city's oldest Bharatanatyam institution, celebrated its 80th anniversary. The school, founded in 1945, has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting India's classical dance legacy over the past eight decades.

The anniversary event drew legendary danseuse Padma Subrahmanyam and Thanjavur royalty Shrimant Babaji Rajah Bhonsle Chhatrapati, who compared the institution to a banyan tree, with its branches spread across the world and sheltering generations of dancers. The school's alumni include film icons like Waheeda Rehman, Kamini Kaushal, and Gopi Krishna, as well as renowned Bharatanatyam exponents such as Vani Ganapathy, Sudha Chandrasekhar, Viji Prakash, and Lata Pada.