C. V. Chandrasekhar, Classical Dancer and Choreographer
Classical Dancer and Choreographer

C. V. Chandrasekhar

Born 22 May 1935 · Tamil Nadu — Died 19 June 2024

Led the Faculty of Performing Arts at M.S. University, significantly advancing Bharatanatyam education.

C. V. Chandrasekhar was an Indian Bharatanatyam dancer, academician, dance scholar, composer, and choreographer. He retired as Head of the Faculty of Performing Arts of M.S.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Before his Bharatanatyam debut, Chandrasekhar completed a Master’s degree in Botany at Banaras Hindu University, a rare academic background among classical dancers of his era.

The Story

1
🌟 In 1947, at just 12 years old, C.V. Chandrasekhar began performing Bharatanatyam despite societal prejudice against male dancers in India, marking a rare and bold choice in Tamil Nadu's conservative cultural landscape.
2
In 1954, he was personally selected by Sir C.P. Ramaswami Iyer to represent India in China, showcasing Indian classical dance on an international political-cultural stage during the Cold War.
3After earning an M.Sc. in Botany from Banaras Hindu University, Chandrasekhar chose to pursue Bharatanatyam at Kalakshetra, Chennai, training under Rukmini Devi Arundale and Karaikkal Saradambal, where he combined rigorous academic study with artistic tradition.
4🏛️ Serving as Head of the Faculty of Performing Arts at M.S. University, Baroda, from 1970 until his retirement in 1992, he influenced generations of dancers and scholars while choreographing works like "Ritu Samharam" and "Meghadutam" rooted in classical Sanskrit literature.

🏅 Awards & Honours

2024
Padma Bhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1950, even before his arangetram, Chandrasekhar was integral to Kalakshetra’s dance dramas, performing roles like the kattiakaran in "Kuttrala Kuravanji", demonstrating early immersion in theatrical Bharatanatyam.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Birth in Shimla, India
C.V. Chandrasekhar was born to Rao Sahib V.A.V. Iyer and Kamala as the seventh of eight siblings in Shimla.
1935
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Career
First Bharatanatyam performance
At age 12, Chandrasekhar began performing Bharatanatyam despite societal resistance to male dancers.
1947
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Career
Integral role at Kalakshetra
Performed in Kalakshetra’s dance dramas before formal arangetram, including role of kattiakaran in "Kuttrala Kuravanji".
1950
⚡
Career
Selected for cultural delegation to China
Chosen by Sir C.P. Ramaswami Iyer to represent Indian classical dance abroad during a politically significant period.
1954
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Career
Retired as Head of M.S. University Arts Faculty
Stepped down after decades shaping the Faculty of Performing Arts at M.S. University, Baroda.
1992
🏅
Award
Received Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Awarded by India’s National Academy recognizing his excellence in Bharatanatyam.
1993
🏅
Award
Honored with Padma Bhushan
Received one of India’s highest civilian honors for contributions to arts.
2011
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Death
Passed away at age 89
C.V. Chandrasekhar died, concluding nearly eight decades of active performance and teaching.
2024
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 06
👤PERSONAL

Despite societal stigma against male dancers in 1940s India, Chandrasekhar’s father encouraged his training, a rare familial support that contrasted with prevailing cultural attitudes.

02 / 06
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

He was trained in classical Carnatic music by masters like Budalur Krishnamurthy Sastrigal and M.D. Ramanathan, integrating musical expertise into his choreography and compositions.

03 / 06
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

In 1954, Chandrasekhar was selected by Sir C.P. Ramaswami Iyer for a cultural delegation to China, blending diplomacy with performing arts during a politically sensitive era.

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"Changes in dance and tradition will come; what is important is to have a firm foundation. The grammar of classical dance is its soul."

— C. V. Chandrasekhar

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Bharatanatyam Dance Performance by C. V. Chandrasekhar

🌱 What changed because of them

C.V. Chandrasekhar’s tenure at M.S. University, Baroda, established one of India's foremost academic programs for performing arts, blending rigorous scholarship with classical dance training. His multi-generational family troupe broke social norms by proving male dancers’ prominence in Bharatanatyam, encouraging wider acceptance. His choreography revitalized classical Sanskrit dramas for modern stages, influencing Bharatanatyam repertoires nationwide.

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