About the Artist
Priyanka Raghuraman is a Bharatanatyam artiste, choreographer, and educator dedicated to preserving and advancing the classical tradition through performance, pedagogy, and creative exploration. A senior performer and faculty member of 'Anitha Guha's Bharathanjali', she has presented solo recitals and collaborative productions across India, the United States, and Singapore. Alongside her performing career, she is the Founder and Artistic Director of 'Priyada Arts', a Bharatanatyam institution in the San Francisco Bay Area committed to fostering an inclusive community where students of all ages can learn, grow, and belong. Priyanka traces her roots to Melattur, Tamil Nadu—the birthplace of the renowned Bhagavata Mela dance-drama tradition—and belongs to a family of hereditary practitioners and custodians of this unique artistic legacy. She began her Bharatanatyam training at the age of four under the guidance of her mother, Smt. Kamala Raghuraman, before coming under the tutelage of Guru Kalaimamani Smt. Anitha Guha. Her background combined with rigorous training under her guru, continues to shape her artistic practice, performance, and pedagogy. A Doordarshan-graded artiste and accomplished soloist, Priyanka has presented Bharatanatyam recitals at distinguished cultural forums across India and the United States. She has presented curated margams at Natyarangam (Narada Gana Sabha), YCPA (Krishna Gana Sabha), Ananya Nruthyollasa, Indian Fine Arts Association, San Diego, Colorado Fine Arts, and other prominent cultural platforms. She is also scheduled to present her recital at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, further extending her artistic journey across leading spaces for Indian classical arts. Beyond the concert stage, Priyanka's artistic practice is enriched by her experience in theatre, television, and choreography. She has hosted over 100 television programs on 'Doordarshan National' and 'DD Podhigai,' portrayed lead roles in productions staged by the 'National School of Drama (India),' and created original choreographic works that have received critical appreciation for their artistic vision and storytelling. Her contributions to Bharatanatyam have been recognized through several prestigious honors, an Excellence Award from Viswasanthi Dance Academy USA (2025), the 'Meritorious Performer Award' from Sri Parthasarathy Swami Sabha (2020), 'Yuva Kala Kovida' from Kala Sangha, USA (2019), and the 'Periya Sharadha Endowment Award' from Sri Krishna Gana Sabha (2016). She was also featured by 'The Hindu' as a promising Bharatanatyam artiste of her generation. During the pandemic, Priyanka continued to engage audiences through digital performances and artistic collaborations. She was featured on 'The Hindu Business Line's 'Stage Business' podcast on Spotify and was invited to participate in 'Quora Tamil's VIP Questionnaire' series.In 2021, she portrayed key roles in Navatman's award-winning dance film 'Mahabharata' and later appeared in Sri Ganesh Vasudeva's acclaimed Bharatanatyam adaptation of 'Life of Pi'. Her performance in the production received notable appreciation from dance critic Marina Harss in 'The New Yorker'. Committed equally to performance and mentorship, Priyanka continues to explore Bharatanatyam as a living tradition that remains relevant across generations. Through her performances, choreography, and teaching, she strives to uphold the values of her heritage while inspiring the next generation of dancers to embrace the art form with integrity, curiosity, and excellence.
Artistic Lineage
Kalaimamani Smt. Anitha Guha
Smt. Anitha Guha is one of Chennai’s most celebrated Bharatanatyam teachers and choreographers. She began her artistic journey under the guidance of her mother, Smt. Karthiyayini Natesan, and later refined her training under Guru Govindarajan Pillai. Brief periods of learning with Kalaimamani Radhakrishnan and Dr. Anandha Shankar Jayant further enriched her artistic perspective. Her music training was under the esteemed Smt. B. Meenakshi. From a very young age, Anitha displayed innate grace, elegance, and a natural flair for choreography, particularly in dance dramas. With her dance group, she staged a wide range of Nritya Natakams in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, in addition to several solo performances. She portrayed leading roles such as Radha, Valli, Mohini, Bhasmasura, Shiva, and Urvasi with remarkable finesse, leaving audiences spellbound. Her outstanding portrayal of Urvasi earned her the prestigious Minister’s Award in 1984. Driven by a deep passion for nurturing the next generation, Anitha founded Bharathanjali in Chennai in 1989. She is a pioneer in grooming young children to exceptional professional standards, presenting them both in the traditional Margam format and in Nritya Natakams based on Hindu Puranas. Many of her students have gone on to become accomplished solo performers and teachers, sharing their art across India and abroad. She has also served as the Curator of Sri Krishna Gana Sabha’s Illamayil Thiramai Festival since its inception in 2012. Recognized by critics and rasikas as one of the foremost ballet producers of her generation, Anitha has carved a unique niche with her acclaimed mythological and thematic dance productions. Her works are distinguished by the refined technique of her students, evocative dramatic atmosphere, and imaginative choreography, consistently earning praise for their originality, aesthetic appeal, and inspirational quality. She has been blessed to collaborate with legendary music composers such as Dr. P. R. Venkatasubramanian, Sri Neyveli Santhana Gopalan, and Dr. Rajkumar Bharathi, and is presently working with Maestro Ilaiyaraaja on his Divya Prabandham compositions. She has also collaborated with eminent resource persons including Smt. Revathy Sankaran, Dr. Anantha Padmanabhachariar, Dr. Pappu Venugopal Rao, Dr. Raghuraman, and Sri Dushyant Sridhar. In 2015, Bharathanjali marked a major milestone with its Silver Jubilee celebrations. Senior students had the unique opportunity to present “Sundarakandam – A Signet of Hope” across 19 cities in the United States for Aim for Seva, founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati. The year 2020 was especially significant, marking the 95th Jayanthi of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and the 30th anniversary of Bharathanjali. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the celebrations were held online, featuring over 60 students performing across multiple time zones. Anitha also choreographed and presented a Bharatanatyam piece with her students for Sri Dushyant Sridhar’s Sanskrit film “Shakuntalam.” Bharathanjali was further honored with the opportunity to perform at the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi during the 75th Independence Day celebrations, as part of the Azaadi Ka Amritotsav – Vande Bharatam competition. Her recent productions, “Praise of Seven Hills,” based on the compositions of HH Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji, and “Agre Pashyami,” based on the Narayaneeyam with narration by Sri Dushyant Sridhar and music composed by Dr. Rajkumar Bharathi, have been widely acclaimed by rasikas and connoisseurs alike. Bharathanjali’s senior students also had the privilege of presenting “Vaaranam Aayiram,” choreographed by Anitha, at the launch of the Divya Pasurams composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja and presented by Sankara TV. Over her illustrious career, Anitha has created and presented more than 30 major productions, in addition to an extensive solo Margam repertoire. Selected Choreographic Works Bhasmasura Mohini Shiva Parvathi Ashtapadhi National Integration Valli Kalyanam Seetha Kalyanam Swagatham Krishna / Saranagatham Krishna Sarvam Shakthi Mayam Jagath Thathaasthu Mahadevan Mahasenam Bhaje Sadha Venkatesam Smarami Smarami Ramyam Hitham Natyam Natrunaiyavadhunamashivayave Koodyirundhu Kulirdhelore Empaavai Chitrangadha Pada Kavitha Pithamaha Hare Rama Hare Krishna Parishvanga Pattabhishekam Vana Virata Vijayam Sarvam Saike Samarpanam Sri Rama Charitha Geetham Kshetrambuja Mala Vijayathe Gopala Choodamani Sri Krishnaleela Madhuryam (Centenary Celebrations of Ambujam Krishna) Nandalala Nama Ramayanam (Online production with 60 students) Praise of Seven Hills Jai Hari Vittala Agre Pashyami Sri Bala Tripura Sundari (for Upasana and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan – Aadi Natya Samarpanam) Honors and Awards Anitha Guha’s outstanding contributions to Bharatanatyam have earned her numerous prestigious honors, including: Natya Selvam - Hon. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin, Muthamizh Peravai (2025) Role Model Award – SVMM (2025) Mahila Sironmani – T. Nagar Rotary Club (2024) Mahila Sironmani – Madras T. Nagar Rotary Club (2024) Dadasaheb Phalke MSK Trust Award Lifetime Achievement Award – Tamil Cultural Academy (2024) Jagathakala Acharya – Jagathalaya (2024) Best Acharya Award in India – Nanganallur Sabha (2023) Lifetime Achievement Award – Tamil Cultural Academy (2023) Velli Vizha Tharagai – Inner Wheel Club, Nanganallur (2023) Mudhirai Padhitha Vithagar – Arudra Natyanjali (2023) Bharatha Bhooshanam – Carnatica (2022) Stree Sakthi Award – Sri Sankara TV (2022) Kalaimamani Award – Government of Tamil Nadu (2012; conferred in 2019) Rukmini Devi Memorial Award – Rudra Natyanjali Maha Shivaratri Festival (2021) Shri Sakthi Award – Ladies Special Magazine & Rotary District 3232 (2021) Natyakala Shikharojwala – Virtual Margazhi Kadambotsavam (2021) Best Natyacharya Award – Indian Fine Arts Society (2019–2020) Madura Kala Praveena – Sri Sathguru Sangeetha Sabha, Madurai (2020) Acharya Kala Nipuna – Sri Saraswathy Gana Nilayam Trust (2019) Natya Kalasaradhi – Sri Parthasarathy Swamy Sabha (2019) Parampara Classic Sangam Award – Chennaiyil Thiruvaiyaru & Pothys (2019) Vani Kala Sudhakara – Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha (2019) Guru Kala Ratna – Trinity Arts Festival (2017) Vigneshwara Natyacharya – Vigneshwara Natyanjali Trust (2015) Natya Thendral – Podhigai Vizha (2016) Acharya Rathnakara – Bhairavi Fine Arts, Cleveland (2014) Madurakalamani – Namargam & Kartik Fine Arts (2013) Nritya Ratna – Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (2013) Award of Excellence – Kartik Fine Arts (2013) Kala Acharya Shironmani – VDS Arts Academy (2012) Mahila Ratna – Kala Sudha (2012) Excellent Service Award – Indian Overseas Bank (2012), presented by Shri Pranab Mukherjee Acharya Kalabharathi – Bharath Kalachar (2011) Nritya Ratna – Shanmukhananda Sangeetha Sabha, New Delhi Lalitha Kala Ratna – Lalitha Kala Academy, Mysuru & Sri Parthasarathy Swamy Sabha (2011) Nritya Saraswathi – Sumukhi Foundation Acharya Choodamani – Sri Krishna Gana Sabha (2006) Anitha dedicates all her work and achievements to the lotus feet of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
Smt. Kamala Raghuraman
Priyanka’s earliest initiation into Bharatanatyam began within the artistic environment fostered by her mother, Smt. Kamala Raghuraman. A dedicated disciple of illustrious Bengaluru-based gurus, Smt. Lalitha Srinivasan and Smt. Padmini Ravi, Kamala cultivated a strong foundation in Bharatanatyam through years of rigorous training and performance experience. During the early years of her training, she completed the Level I & II Karnataka State Board Examinations in Bharatanatyam. She has portrayed several acclaimed protagonist roles in her Gurus' renowned Nrithya Natakams, most notably Ravana in 'Sita Swayamvara' and the titular role in 'Kuttrala Kuravanji'.
Alongside her performance career, she has been a committed teacher, having trained over 300 students through institutions including the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI) & Pradhaan Dance Center, mentoring multiple young learners for their stage debuts (Arangetram). Apart from being a judge for numerous classical dance events, she has also performed Nattuvangam for her guru, Smt. Padmini Ravi, alongside fellow disciple and accomplished artist, Sri. Kiran Subramanyam. She continues to be a strong backbone in Priyanka's artistic journey.
Other Mentors
In addition to her primary mentors, Priyanka attributes her artistic growth to several remarkable teachers and guides who have profoundly shaped different facets of her journey. She is especially grateful to Smt. Jayashree Ramanathan, whose guidance refined and strengthened her technique as a soloist; Sri Selvam Master, under whom she trained in Nattuvangam; and Vidwan Sri P.R. Venkatasubramaniam, who instilled in her a deep understanding of rhythm and cultivated a strong sense of rhythmic thinking.
Over the years, Priyanka has built a diverse performance repertoire spanning prestigious sabhas, festivals, and reputed venues across India, the United States, and Singapore. Her solo recitals have been featured at Natyarangam (Narada Gana Sabha), YCPA (Krishna Gana Sabha), Ananya Nruthyollasa, the Indian Fine Arts Association, San Diego, and Colorado Fine Arts, among other cultural platforms. She has also performed in ensemble productions at the Khajuraho Dance Festival, the Uday Shankar Dance Festival, and for the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Equally at ease in solo and ensemble works, she has portrayed a wide spectrum of characters—from the fierce Goddess Meenakshi, the compassionate mother Yashoda, and the graceful Rukmini to the revered saint Shirdi Sai Baba. Beyond the traditional concert stage, she has appeared in acclaimed dance-theatre productions including 'Mahabharata' and 'Life of Pi', bringing Bharatanatyam to new audiences. She is also scheduled to present a solo recital at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
Performances
Recognition
Awards and Press Mentions
"I consider every award and word of appreciation a reflection of the guidance of my gurus, the support of my family and mentors, and the generosity of audiences who have embraced my work. They serve as a constant reminder to remain a sincere student of Bharatanatyam and to continue this artistic journey with humility, discipline, and devotion." - Priyanka
“Priyanka came across as confident and well rounded. Emotion is her forte, and it can be startilingly intense. Her movemnets were crisp and timing was accurate. She is a promising artist of this generation. There is no doubt about her acting skills.”
RUPA SRIKANTH
Sr. ART CRITIC, THE HINDU
“The performance of the artist who portrayed the character of Meenakshi (Priyanka) leaves a mark with excellent diction and depth.”
N. GOWRI
ART CRITIC, THE HINDU
A special compliment to the dancer who did the role of Meenakshi (who did the Dhik Vijayam), Marvelous Performance.
Dr. TD BABU
Sr. DOCTOr & ART PATRON
Artist in Focus Feature -“This a captivating journey into the world of Bharatanatyam, of an artist who began her odyssey at the tender age of 4.”
DIVYA RAGHAVAN
EDITOR, NATYA MAGAZINE, USA
“I especially loved the Orangutan played by Priyanka Raghuraman in this Bharatantyam Adaptation of Life of Pi.”
MARINA HARSS
CHIEF JOURNALIST, THE NEW YORKER
So glad I got see Priyanka perform "The Last Song" about species extinction. The loss was palpable. It was such a moving piece performed in a great intimate venue (Safehouse Performing Arts Theater, SF).
AARTHI
BHARATANATYAM ARTISTE
Priyanka's embodiment of Shiva through various poses executed with seeming ease, truly captured his majestic spirit.
Art Critic
NARTHAKI