Guru Natya Sharada Subitha V. Murali, the Director and Principal of Saraswathy Kala Kendra & Research Centre (SKK), has been an eminent figure in the field of dance for over three decades. A “Nritya Visharad” in Bharatanatyam, she has completed extensive training in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, culminating in her ‘Ranga Pravesham’ performance. Guru Subitha holds a postgraduate degree in Commerce and Economics, a Masters in Business Administration, a Masters in Indian Art and Culture from Mumbai University, and a Masters in Bharatanatyam from Tamil University. Currently, she is pursuing her PhD.
Guru Subitha’s artistic journey has been shaped by her tutelage under renowned gurus such as Dr. Smt. Rajya Lakshmi Seth (disciple of K. Sarasa, Late Guru Vedantam Jagannath Sarma, Smt. Dr. Uma. K. Ramarao, and Smt. Sumathy Kaushal). She has also honed her craft through workshops with the legendary Guru Kalanidhi Narayanan. Guru Subitha has performed extensively in both classical and folk dance styles, with a vision to spread her deep knowledge and passion for these art forms.
In 1992-93, she founded Saraswathy Kala Kendra & Research Centre, which is affiliated with the Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Maha Vidyalaya, Maharashtra Brahmanpuri, and is a member of the International Council of Dance (CID) France, UNESCO. With the support of the Department of Culture, Government of Maharashtra, Sangeet Natak Akademi, and the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, SKK has grown into a recognized institution dedicated to training students in classical, semi-classical, contemporary, and fusion dance styles. Guru Subitha has trained and choreographed thousands of students across Mumbai for prestigious festivals and competitions, earning numerous accolades and prizes along the way.
On 27th September, Guru Subitha conducted the All India National Dance Competition and Annual Cultural Festival, a major event recognized and supported by the Department of Culture, Government of Maharashtra, and the Government of India. The event also received support from the esteemed Sangeet Natak Akademi, adding to its significance in the promotion and celebration of Indian classical dance.
Guru Subitha envisions taking Indian classical dance to every Indian, ensuring that future generations remain connected to India’s rich cultural heritage. She believes that the classical dance forms are not merely performances but are pathways to a deeper understanding of life, spirituality, health, and divine connection. For her, these dances embody yogic practices, promoting mental and physical well-being and fostering spiritual awareness.
Under her leadership, SKK offers a range of certificate courses, diplomas, Visharad degrees, and teacher training programs, with the ultimate aim of transforming the institution into a hub for learning and preserving classical dance forms. As a symbol of women’s empowerment, she won the title of Perfect Woman Mrs. India Intellectual in 2018, reinforcing her commitment to inspiring and uplifting others through her art.
Saraswathy Kala Kendra remains a beacon for arts lovers and cultural organizations alike, striving to keep alive the rich traditions of classical dance for future generations.
Guru Natya Sharada Subitha V. Murali, the visionary Director and Principal of Saraswathy Kala Kendra & Research Centre (SKK), is a revered figure in the world of Indian classical dance, with a career spanning over three decades. Her deep-rooted passion for Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, two of the most revered classical dance forms in India, has shaped her into an accomplished dancer, choreographer, and guru. Achieving the prestigious title of “Nritya Visharad” in Bharatanatyam, she has made significant contributions to preserving and propagating these art forms, aiming to share their beauty with the world.
Born with a natural inclination for dance, Guru Subitha pursued her artistic training under the tutelage of prominent masters like Dr. Smt. Rajya Lakshmi Seth, an exponent of Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, and disciple of the legendary K. Sarasa and Late Guru Vedantam Jagannath Sarma. She also trained with other prominent figures like Smt. Dr. Uma. K. Ramarao and Smt. Sumathy Kaushal. Her artistic journey was further enriched by workshops under the guidance of the late Guru Kalanidhi Narayanan, a pioneer in abhinaya (expression) in Bharatanatyam. These experiences nurtured her deep understanding of the dance form’s technicalities and emotional depth, which she now imparts to her students.
Apart from her impressive credentials in dance, Guru Subitha is also highly accomplished academically. She holds a postgraduate degree in Commerce and Economics, a Masters in Business Administration, and a Masters in Indian Art and Culture from Mumbai University. She furthered her studies with a Masters in Bharatanatyam from Tamil University and is currently pursuing her PhD, demonstrating her continuous quest for knowledge and mastery of the art.
In 1992-93, Guru Subitha established Saraswathy Kala Kendra & Research Centre, a beacon for those passionate about dance. SKK is affiliated with the Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Maha Vidyalaya, Maharashtra Brahmanpuri, and is a member of the International Council of Dance (CID), France, under UNESCO. Through this institution, she has trained and mentored thousands of students in classical, semi-classical, contemporary, and fusion dance styles. Her unique vision, dedication, and expertise have shaped SKK into one of the leading institutions for Indian classical dance training in Mumbai.
Under her leadership, SKK offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes certificate courses, diplomas, Visharad degrees, and teacher training programs in dance. Her goal is to create an institute where classical dance is not only learned but lived—where students experience the profound connection between dance, spirituality, and health. For Guru Subitha, Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi are not merely forms of artistic expression; they are pathways to spiritual awareness, yogic discipline, and physical well-being. She believes that classical dance transcends performance—it is a way of life, a means to connect with the divine, and a tool to achieve holistic growth, both mentally and physically.
Throughout her career, Guru Subitha has choreographed and directed numerous performances for prestigious festivals and competitions, earning acclaim from audiences and critics alike. She has also trained students in schools across Mumbai, fostering a love for Indian classical dance among the younger generation. Her dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of India has earned her accolades and prizes from various organizations.
A recent example of her tireless work was the grand All India National Dance Competition and Annual Cultural Festival, held on 27th September. This event, recognized and supported by the Department of Culture, Government of Maharashtra, and the Government of India, as well as the Sangeet Natak Akademi, showcased the best of Indian classical dance. The competition brought together dancers from across the country to celebrate the rich legacy of Indian art forms. Such events not only promote cultural awareness but also provide a platform for young dancers to showcase their talent and gain recognition on a national level.
In addition to her contributions to the world of dance, Guru Subitha is a symbol of women’s empowerment. She was awarded the title of Perfect Woman Mrs. India Intellectual in 2018, an acknowledgment of her grace, intellect, and commitment to fostering empowerment through the arts. She continues to inspire and uplift countless individuals through her work, breaking barriers and redefining success in both the artistic and cultural spheres.
Looking ahead, Guru Subitha envisions making Indian classical dance accessible to every Indian, with the goal of ensuring that future generations cherish and uphold India’s cultural heritage. For her, the knowledge passed down through these ancient dance forms is invaluable—offering more than just artistic skill but also spiritual insight, discipline, and a holistic approach to life. She believes that by sharing this heritage, she can give the next generation something profound to keep and cherish: a deep-rooted connection to their culture and a spiritual way of life. She believes that the classical dance forms are not merely performances but are pathways to a deeper understanding of life, spirituality, health, and divine connection. For her, these dances embody yogic practices, promoting mental and physical well-being and fostering spiritual awareness.
Saraswathy Kala Kendra & Research Centre, under her direction, continues to receive support from various cultural organizations and patrons of the arts. Guru Subitha hopes to see the institution grow into a major cultural hub, where the art of Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi flourishes and reaches greater heights. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, Guru Subitha V. Murali and SKK are well on their way to achieving their mission of spreading the knowledge and beauty of Indian classical dance to all corners of the country and beyond.