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{{Short description|Indian dancer (1944–2023)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2025}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Lakshmi Viswanathan
| birth_date = {{birth date|1944|1|12|df=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Bangalore]], [[Kingdom of Mysore]], [[British India]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|2023|1|20|1944|1|12|df=yes}}
| death_place = [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India
| occupation = Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, teacher, writer
| awards = [[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]] (2008)
[[Sangita Kalanidhi|Nritya Kalanidhi]] (2011)
}}

'''Lakshmi Viswanathan''' (12 January 1944 – 20 January 2023) was an Indian [[Bharatanatyam]] dancer, choreographer, teacher, and writer, widely regarded as a prominent figure in the field of Indian classical dance. Known for her nuanced performances and deep connection to music, she contributed significantly to the preservation and evolution of Bharatanatyam through her artistry and scholarship. She was a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the [[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]] and the [[Sangita Kalanidhi|Nritya Kalanidhi]] title from the [[Madras Music Academy]].

==Early life and training==
Lakshmi Viswanathan was born on 12 January 1944 in [[Bangalore]], [[Kingdom of Mysore]], [[British India]], to Alamelu and K. Viswanathan.<ref name="MusicAcademy">{{cite web |url=https://www.musicacademymadras.in/nritya-kalanidhi-lakshmi-viswanathan-no-more/ |title=Nritya Kalanidhi Lakshmi Viswanathan no more |publisher=[[Madras Music Academy]] |access-date=6 April 2025 |archive-date=6 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406165719/https://www.musicacademymadras.in/nritya-kalanidhi-lakshmi-viswanathan-no-more/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Her family was well-known for its association with the classical arts, particularly the [[Thanjavur]] tradition.<ref name="MusicAcademy" /> She began her training in Bharatanatyam under Guru Kausalya of the Vazhuvoor Ramaiya Pillai school and later trained under Guru Kanchipuram Ellappa Pillai.<ref name="MusicAcademy" /><ref name="SNA">{{cite web |url=https://sangeetnatak.gov.in/public/uploads/awardees/docs/Lakshmi_Vishwanathan.pdf |title=Lakshmi Vishwanathan - Sangeet Natak Akademi |publisher=[[Sangeet Natak Akademi]] |access-date=6 April 2025}}</ref> She also received training from Courtalam Ganesa Pillai and Sankari Krishnan of the Thanjavur Kittappa Pillai school.<ref name="MusicAcademy" />
In addition to dance, Viswanathan trained in music under her mother and later under Tedyiyur Narayanaswami, Thiruvaiyyaru Krishnamurthy, and Sangita Kala Acharya T. Mukta.<ref name="MusicAcademy" /> Her early exposure to [[Carnatic music]] played a significant role in shaping her dance repertoire, which often reflected a seamless integration of rhythm and melody.<ref name="HinduMusic">{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/dance/lakshmi-viswanathans-dance-repertoire-was-insipired-by-music/article67744594.ece |title=Lakshmi Viswanathan's dance repertoire was inspired by music |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=20 January 2023 |access-date=6 April 2025 |archive-date=6 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406164215/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/dance/lakshmi-viswanathans-dance-repertoire-was-insipired-by-music/article67744594.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> Her dance arangetram (debut performance) took place in 1952, presided over by E. Krishna Iyer, the founder-secretary of the Music Academy, Madras.<ref name="MusicAcademy" />

==Career==
Lakshmi Viswanathan emerged as a leading exponent of Bharatanatyam, performing extensively in India and abroad. Her performances were noted for their elegance, expressive ''[[abhinaya]]'' (gesture-based storytelling), and innovative choreography.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/in-memoriam-lakshmi-viswanathan-bharatanatyam-exponent-and-keeper-of-timeless-artistry-leaves-a-luminous-legacy-12181062.html |title=In Memoriam: Lakshmi Viswanathan, Bharatanatyam exponent and keeper of timeless artistry, leaves a luminous legacy |work=[[Firstpost]] |date=23 January 2023 |access-date=6 April 2025 |archive-date=6 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406164249/https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/in-memoriam-lakshmi-viswanathan-bharatanatyam-exponent-and-keeper-of-timeless-artistry-leaves-a-luminous-legacy-12181062.html |url-status=live }}</ref> She was a regular performer at major cultural festivals, including the [[Khajuraho Dance Festival]], which she described as a "dream-come-true experience," and the Music Academy’s annual dance festival in Chennai.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/dance/khajuraho-a-dream-come-true-experience/article22980142.ece |title=Khajuraho, a dream-come-true experience |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=23 February 2018 |access-date=6 April 2025 |archive-date=6 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406164215/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/dance/khajuraho-a-dream-come-true-experience/article22980142.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/dance-festival-under-way/article22362631.ece |title=Dance festival under way |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=5 January 2018 |access-date=6 April 2025}}</ref>
In addition to her performances, Viswanathan was a respected guru who trained numerous students, emphasizing the importance of individuality and creativity within the traditional framework of Bharatanatyam.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2015/Feb/11/creative-proponent-of-expressions-716062.html |title=Creative proponent of expressions |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=11 February 2015 |access-date=6 April 2025}}</ref> She also authored books and articles on dance, including reflections on its historical and cultural significance.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/features/step-past-2266660 |title=Step Past |work=[[Deccan Herald]] |date=14 March 2021 |access-date=6 April 2025}}</ref> Her dance was known for its in-depth research, blending tradition with scholarly insight.<ref name="MusicAcademy" />
Contributions and style Viswanathan’s work was deeply influenced by the feminine aspects of Bharatanatyam, often exploring themes of grace, strength, and emotional depth.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2013/May/01/the-immutable-power-of-femininity-473202.html |title=The immutable power of femininity |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=1 May 2013 |access-date=6 April 2025}}</ref> Her choreography was praised for its musicality, drawing inspiration from Carnatic compositions and the works of figures like [[M.S. Subbulakshmi]], to whom she paid tribute through her art.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/an-ode-subbulakshmi-nightingale-2087303 |title=An ode to Subbulakshmi, the nightingale |work=[[Deccan Herald]] |date=11 September 2021 |access-date=6 April 2025 |archive-date=6 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406164248/https://www.deccanherald.com/india/an-ode-subbulakshmi-nightingale-2087303 |url-status=live }}</ref> Her multifaceted approach—combining performance, teaching, and writing—earned her recognition as a cultural ambassador of Indian dance.<ref name="HinduFacets">{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/dance/the-many-facets-of-lakshmi-viswanathans-art/article66435878.ece |title=The many facets of Lakshmi Viswanathan's art |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=25 January 2023 |access-date=6 April 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ramani |first=V. V. |date=2025-03-18 |title=Keeping Lakshmi Viswanathan's artistic legacy alive |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/dance/keeping-lakshmi-viswanathans-artistic-legacy-alive/article69345129.ece |access-date=2025-04-06 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=2025-04-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405165524/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/dance/keeping-lakshmi-viswanathans-artistic-legacy-alive/article69345129.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Awards and recognition==
Lakshmi Viswanathan received numerous accolades during her career. In 2008, she was honored with the [[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]] for her contributions to Bharatanatyam.<ref name="SNA" /> In 2011, she was conferred the [[Sangita Kalanidhi|Nritya Kalanidhi]] title by the [[Madras Music Academy]], a prestigious recognition in the Indian classical dance community.<ref name="MusicAcademy" /> She expressed surprise and humility at receiving such honors, noting her focus remained on the art itself.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2011/Dec/18/awards-surprise-me-321562.html |title=Awards surprise me |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=18 December 2011 |access-date=6 April 2025 |archive-date=6 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406164248/https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2011/Dec/18/awards-surprise-me-321562.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Personal life and legacy==
Viswanathan was known for her deep connection to Chennai, where she lived and worked for most of her life. She died on 20 January 2023, leaving behind a legacy celebrated by the dance community and beyond.<ref name="HinduObit">{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/bharatanatyam-dancer-guru-lakshmi-vishwanathan-dies/article66409727.ece |title=Bharatanatyam dancer, guru Lakshmi Viswanathan dies |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=20 January 2023 |access-date=6 April 2025 |archive-date=6 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406164248/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/bharatanatyam-dancer-guru-lakshmi-vishwanathan-dies/article66409727.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="MusicAcademy" /> Her contributions were lauded for their timeless quality, with tributes highlighting her role as a keeper of Bharatanatyam’s traditions while adapting it to contemporary sensibilities.<ref name="HinduFacets" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/opinion/columnists/eunice-de-souza/women-of-pride/articleshow/15919700.cms |title=Women of Pride |work=[[Mumbai Mirror]] |date=17 March 2012 |access-date=6 April 2025}}</ref>

== References ==

{{reflist}}

[[Category:Recipients of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]]
[[Category:People from Chennai]]
[[Category:People from Bengaluru]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian dancers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian dancers]]
[[Category:1944 births]]
[[Category:2023 deaths]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Viswanathan, Lakshmi}}

Lakshmi Viswanathan - Revision history

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