Teachers & Mentors
Malathi Iyengar’s Teachers & Mentors
Guru Narmada (1942 – 2007)
Guru Narmada was one of the senior dance gurus of Bangalore, who had her initial training from Guru V.S. Kaushik and later from Guru K. P. Kittappa Pillai of Tanjore in the Pandanallur / Tanjore style of Bharatanatyam for 18 years. She began her dance school Shakuntala Nruthyala (in memory of her mother) in Bangalore in 1978 where she trained several students.
Guru Narmada contributed immensely to the field of Bharatanatyam and was lauded for being a caring and a generous teacher. Guru Narmada was the recipient of the coveted Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, presented by the president of India (Dr Abdul Kalam) for her contributions to the field of dance.
Guru Narmada’s other distinctions include Government of Karnataka’s Shanthala Award, Karnataka Sangeetha Nruthya Academy Award, Shanthala Arts Academy Award, Best Teacher Award from the Madras Music Academy, Karnataka Rajyotsava Award and Award of Recognition from the Karnataka Cultural Association, Los Angeles, California.
Guru Narmada died on March 30, 2007, in Bangalore. She was 65 years old. Guru Narmada is survived by her son, brothers, sisters, students, and well wishers.
Photo Credits: Stephen Jerrome
Los Angeles Dance Invitational (Producers: Howard Ibach and Richard Kuller, Co-Producer: Jamie Nichols)
Nate Holden Performing Arts Center – 2008
Marion and Narmada – 1994