Bharatanatyam Dancer Sudharani Raghupathy Conferred Akademi Ratna Sadasyata

Chennai-based classical and Bharatanatyam dancer Sudharani Raghupathy has been conferred the prestigious Akademi Ratna Sadasyata, also known as the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship.

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the honour upon her during a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on August 13.

The Akademi Ratna Sadasyata represents India's highest honour in the performing arts. Conferred by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the fellowship is given for lifetime achievement and supreme contribution to music, dance, theatre, or traditional, folk, and tribal arts. The distinction is strictly restricted to a maximum of 40 living individuals at any given time.

Prof Sudharani has received several major recognitions throughout her career. She was awarded the Padma Shri in 1981, the Tamil Nadu state Kalaimamani award in 1981, and the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi award in 1984.

In addition to her performance career, she founded the fine arts institute Shree Bharatalaya in 1970.