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Classical Dancer

Radha Reddy

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Founded Natya Tarangini Institute of Kuchipudi Dance in New Delhi with Raja Reddy.

Raja and Radha Reddy are an Indian Kuchipudi dancing couple, gurus and choreographers. They are renowned as exponents of the South Indian dance form of Kuchipudi. They founded and run the Natya Tarangini Institute of Kuchipudi Dance in New Delhi. The duo are credited with having given Kuchipudi a new dimension without compromising on its traditional virtues.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Radha Reddy's choreography includes a rare dance interpretation of three poems by former President APJ Abdul Kalam, linking Indian classical dance with contemporary Indian literary figures.

The Story

1
🌟 In 1976, Radha Reddy, born in 1955 in Kotalgaon, Hyderabad State, teamed up with Raja Reddy to pioneer Kuchipudi in New Delhi, founding the Natya Tarangini Institute of Kuchipudi Dance.
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🎭 By 1990, the duo had redefined Kuchipudi by integrating contemporary themes without sacrificing its classical roots, performing globally from Avignon, France to Salzburg, Austria.
3In 2000, Radha and Raja were awarded the Padma Bhushan, an honor reflecting their concrete role in elevating Kuchipudi on the Indian cultural stage.
4🎓 At Natya Tarangini, they trained dancers including those with hearing and speech impairments, showcasing their commitment to inclusive arts education.

🏅 Awards & Honours

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Padma Shri

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1980, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi personally allotted a house in Delhi to Raja and Radha Reddy after witnessing their Kuchipudi performance at Nehru's birth anniversary celebrations.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Radha Reddy born in Kotalgaon
Radha Reddy was born on February 15, 1955, in Kotalgaon, Adilabad district, Hyderabad State, India.
1955
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Career
Natya Tarangini Institute founded
Radha and Raja Reddy established the Natya Tarangini Institute of Kuchipudi Dance in New Delhi to promote and teach Kuchipudi.
c.1976
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Career
Performance at Nehru birth anniversary
The duo performed during the celebrations of Nehru's birth anniversary, leading to PM Indira Gandhi allotting them a house in Delhi.
1980
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Career
International dance festivals
Radha and Raja Reddy performed at prestigious international venues including the Avignon Festival in France and Salzburg Festival in Austria.
1990
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Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
The Government of India awarded Radha and Raja Reddy the Padma Bhushan for their contributions to Indian classical dance.
2000
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🗝️Discoveries

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01 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Radha and Raja Reddy were among the first Indian dancers to perform at the International Dance Festival of Avignon in France, marking Kuchipudi's entry into European classical dance festivals.

02 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

The Natya Tarangini Institute founded by Radha and Raja has a distinctive program training dancers with hearing and speech impairments, demonstrating a groundbreaking approach to classical dance education.

03 / 04
💡SURPRISING

In their choreography, Radha Reddy set to dance three poems by former President APJ Abdul Kalam, a rare synthesis of Indian classical dance with modern Indian poetic works.

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🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
SAMEENA on RSTV / Raja Radha Reddy
More from this archive
SAMEENA on RSTV / Raja Radha Reddy
01
SAMEENA on RSTV / Raja Radha Reddy
Classical dance maestro Radha Reddy performs Kuchipudi
02
Classical dance maestro Radha Reddy performs Kuchipudi
Dr Raja Radha Reddy's Remarks | Launch of Parampara Series 2020
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Dr Raja Radha Reddy's Remarks | Launch of Parampara Series 2020
II Patakatha II Poushali II Chatterji II RAJA RADHA REDDY
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II Patakatha II Poushali II Chatterji II RAJA RADHA REDDY

🌱 What changed because of them

Radha Reddy, alongside Raja Reddy, transformed Kuchipudi by founding the Natya Tarangini Institute in New Delhi, making the dance form accessible beyond its traditional Telugu Brahmin roots. Their efforts expanded Kuchipudi's reach internationally, influencing both performance and pedagogy, and introducing inclusivity by training differently-abled dancers. Their recognition by the Government of India through Padma awards cemented Kuchipudi's stature among classical Indian arts.

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