In conversation with classical dance guru Girija Chandran who won the Sangeeth Natak Akademi Award
Classical dance guru Girija Chandran is set to receive the Sangeeth Natak Akademi Award 2025 for her lifelong contributions to Mohiniyattam. Despite a 50-year teaching career, she reflects on her journey, which was shaped by conservative family values that limited her stage performances.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the preservation of traditional Indian arts and the evolving role of women in classical dance education.
A teaching career spanning over 50 years and a humungous student database — that is what Girija Chandran holds close to her heart. Girija Teacher, to the classical dance community of Thiruvananthapuram, is days away from receiving the Sangeeth Natak Akademi Award 2025 for her contributions in Mohiniyattam, and the veteran guru is ecstatic.
“I am proud about keeping myself busy at 75,” says Girija, when we meet at her dance school, Regatta Natya Sangeetha Kendra, which will turn 54 this December.
“I have never applied for any award. But this time I had to succumb to the pressure of my well-wishers, students and family. I was told that it was the procedure and I needn’t feel embarrassed about it,” she says.
Girija Chandran during a training session at her dance school | Photo Credit: NIRMAL HARINDRAN
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