Chitra Lakshmi

(Bharathanatyam and Mohiniyattam)

UNITED KINGDOM

Chitra Lakshmi doesn’t need special mention in the Malayalee circles in London. She has performed and choreographed several dances for associations in London and still continues to take classes for students in Bharathanatyam and Mohiniyattam.

Chitra is well trained in Bharathanatyam and Mohiniyattam under the guidance of Kalamandalam Usna Banu, Kalalayam Alli Rani and from Guru Balachandra Raju Chennai from the age of five.

Chitra, who performed her arangetram at the age of 8 comes from a family which is well versed in playing the veena. Chitra too can play the veena exceptionally well. Chitra, who has been a regular performer for Doordarshan in Trivandrum and Chennai, has received several awards and acclaims.

She has done her performances in several stages in India, London and other European countries. Chitra is more interested in contemporary and fusion dances and gives life to many new steps when she choreographs dances with different themes.

Chitra has altogether nearly 70 students undergoing training under her guidance in various parts of London and almost all the associations in London has utilised her skills during their regular events.

Her greatest achievement, which she still holds close to her heart, was the compliment and words of encouragement she received from singer Hariharan when she choreographed his song Krishna Nee Vegane… in a CD format.

Chitra has recently choreographed a semi-classical dance for late music director Ravindran’s last song Kalabham Tharam sung by Biju Narayan and after seeing the CD Biju Narayan made some admiring comments.

Chitra, who was a senior faculty at  Airline Ticketing and Travel Management in Cochin now works as Travel Consultant for Gifto Travels, London. Chitra looks forward to do a dance based on the theme of Kerala by including all the tourist spots in Kerala and including all her present students in the UK in this project.

Chitra is settled in the UK with a daughter who is doing studies in Nottingham.

Aside from her dance career Chitra has done modelling too. If you are a visitor of Kochi next time look out for Federal Bank, Southern Investments hoardings with Chitra smiling at you.

Contact:  lakshmichitra@hotmail.com.