---
title: "The Guru Who Never Performed: Girija Chandran Receives Sangeeth Natak Akademi Award"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/girija-chandran-sangeeth-natak-akademi-award-mohiniyattam-guru-fjqqo
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
published: 2026-08-05T04:35:22.000Z
modified: 2026-08-05T09:02:19.259Z
language: en-IN
---

# The Guru Who Never Performed: Girija Chandran Receives Sangeeth Natak Akademi Award

At 75, veteran Mohiniyattam educator Girija Chandran has been honored for her lifelong dedication to classical dance pedagogy despite never pursuing a stage career. As the founder of Regatta Natya Sangeetha Kendra, she has trained nearly 100,000 students over five decades.

## Key takeaways

- Girija Chandran won the Sangeeth Natak Akademi Award 2025 for her contributions to Mohiniyattam despite never being a solo performer.
- Her dance school, Regatta Natya Sangeetha Kendra, has operated for over five decades and trained nearly 100,000 dancers.
- Chandran's pedagogical approach includes unique programs for elderly women and free training for children in tribal communities.

## The Legacy of a Non-Performing Guru

Girija Chandran, known affectionately as Girija Teacher within the Thiruvananthapuram classical dance circles, is slated to receive the Sangeeth Natak Akademi Award 2025. The recognition celebrates her profound influence on Mohiniyattam, a distinction she achieved while intentionally avoiding the spotlight of solo performance. Her only public debut occurred at age seven during her arangettam, as her conservative family environment discouraged women from stage appearances.

Instead of pursuing personal fame, Chandran focused on the technical mastery of others. She founded the Regatta Natya Sangeetha Kendra, an institution that will mark its 54th anniversary this December. Originally established by her father, R Sivasankara Pillai, in 1972 as a multi-trade cultural society, the center eventually specialized exclusively in dance under her leadership. Today, the academy oversees more than 500 students across various disciplines, including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Mohiniyattam.

## A Path Defined by Pedagogy

Chandran's formal education began under the tutelage of Kalakshetra Bhaskar, Indira Bayi Thankachi, and Sucheendram MM Pillai. In 1976, she expanded her expertise in Chennai, studying under Vazhuvoor Ramayya Pillai and Adyar K Lakshman. Despite her training in the Kalakshetra style and exposure to Kuchipudi at Vempati Chinna Satyam’s academy, her professional identity became synonymous with teaching rather than execution.

Her transition into Mohiniyattam was an evolution rather than an initial passion. After hiring Kerala Kalamandalam alumni to meet student demand in 1986, Chandran immersed herself in the form. Significant influences during this period included Mohiniyattam legend Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma and Kathakali veteran Nelliyode Vasudevan Namboothiri, who provided critical guidance on mudras and choreography nuances. To date, her institution has produced over 50 Mohiniyattam productions.

## Why It Matters

Chandran’s career challenges the conventional narrative that a great teacher must be a prolific performer. By focusing on the roles of the nattuvanar and choreographer, she has successfully cultivated high-profile talent such as Methil Devika and Sithara Balakrishnan. Her work also democratizes classical dance, reaching beyond elite circles to include homemakers through the 'Grihanayika' program and providing free instruction to tribal children in the Kottur forest region.

## Key Facts

- Girija Chandran has mentored an estimated 100,000 students over a teaching career spanning 50 years.
- She is the first in her family to receive this award since her grand-uncle, CI Parameswaran Pillai, was honored for drama 66 years ago.
- The Regatta Natya Sangeetha Kendra currently supports 80 students in its senior program, with the oldest learner aged 76.
- Chandran remains a published author on dance theory, having written 'Bharathanatya Chinthakal'.
- The Sangeeth Natak Akademi recognition was facilitated by Akademi Chairman Sandhya Purecha and Secretary Raju Das.

Source: The Hindu – Entertainment

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/girija-chandran-sangeeth-natak-akademi-award-mohiniyattam-guru-fjqqo
Reported from: The Hindu – Entertainment