Nritya Kalanidhi award conferred on Urmila Satyanarayanan

Bharatanatyam exponent Urmila Satyanarayanan was presented the Nritya Kalanidhi award at the 19th Dance Festival, inaugurated at the Music Academy in the city on Saturday (January 3, 2026).

Presenting the award, Takahashi Muneo, Consul-General, Consulate General of Japan in Chennai, said the honour recognised not only her artistic excellence but also her lifelong commitment to the preservation and propagation of Bharatanatyam.

Drawing parallels between Indian and Japanese dance traditions, he noted that classical Japanese forms such as Noh, Kabuki and Nihon Buyo emphasise controlled movement and discipline — aspects that resonate strongly with Indian classical dances. Both traditions, he said, share a deep respect for heritage and the teacher-disciple lineage.

Observing that Bharatanatyam had gained wide appreciation in Japan, Mr. Muneo said many Japanese students had travelled to India to learn the dance form, while several renowned Indian dancers had taught and performed in Japan, serving as a powerful example of how culture can connect nations.

He also released a dance brochure and gave away prizes to winners of various dance competitions.

Accepting the award, Ms. Satyanarayanan expressed gratitude to her teachers, students and the Music Academy for their continued support. Recalling that her dance arangetram was at the Music Academy, she said receiving the award from the renowned institution was a milestone in the life of a dancer. She envisaged a future where every individual would know about the legacy and history of the dance form.

With a wider perspective

Earlier, N. Murali, president of the Music Academy, and Director of The Hindu Group of Publications, said the award to Ms. Satyanarayanan comes at an important stage in her artistic journey – 50 years after her dance arangetram and 30 years since she founded the dance school ‘Natya Sankalpa’. She is known for her improvisation and innovation, with several acclaimed thematic presentations and dance dramas to her credit, he said.

This year’s festival would feature solo and group performances in different genres of the classical art forms, including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, and Yakshagana, he said.