V P
Dhananjayan
&
Shantha Dhananjayan
Sri Vannadil Pudiyaveettil Dhananjayan and wife Shanta
Dhananjayan, popularly known as the Dhananjayans have become legendary dancing
couple of India in their own life time. Both disciples of the legendary
Rukminidevi of Kalakshetra, having established their own Academy ,
Bharatakalanjali, have become International celebrity.
They have received innumerable National and International awards
and recognition, including the Central Sangeet Natak Academy Award, otherwise
known as the Presidential Award.
Bharatakalanjali, since it's founding in 1968, has trained
number of students who have established themselves in different parts of the
world. Bharatakalanjali has produced more than thirty dance productions, winning
high praise and acclaim in the International art scene.
The Dhananjayans have collaborated with National and
International choreographers and Institutes to produce monumental theatrical
ventures, which have won them many prestigious National and International
Awards.
Not resting in their laurels, they have now ventured into
building a Monumental Art, Culture and Education Centre called 'Bhaaskara'
(Bharatheeya Saamskarika Kalaa Rangam) in Kerala, a contribution to the new
millennium for the benefit of the future generation. This dream project of the
Dhananjayans is on it's dawn of reality.
Sri Dhananjayan was born on 30th April 1939 in
Payyannur, Kerala He joined the Kalakshetra on 5th October 1953. He has
taken Post Graduate Diploma in Bharathanatyam and Kathakali from
there.
Shanta Dhananjayan born on 12th August 1943, joined the
Kalakshetra in June 1952
She too has taken Post Graduate Diploma in
Bharathanatyam and Kathakali from Kalakshetra. Served as student, performing
artistes & teacher in the Dance and Academic Faculty in Kalakshetra. Started
own Academy Bharatakalanjali in Madras in 1968.
They have been awarded many awards like Sangeet Natak Academy
(Presidential Award), Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Academy Fellowship, Kalaimamani
Award from Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram, Nritya Choodamani Award from Sri Krishna
Gana Sabha, Haridas Sammelan Sursingar Sansad Mumbai "Nrityavillas" Award,
Scroll of Honour Arts and Crafts Magazine, Live Magazine Achievement Award (Ohio
State Academy Award), Plaque of Honour awarded by the Governor of Ohio State for
excellent Community Service and International Understanding through
Art, Munshi Centenary Commemorative Award, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, London
UK, UNESCO Paris, Medallion De Merit
