Jaishree, a senior disciple of Guru Rajee, received her initial training in Bharatanatyam from Smt. Vyjayanthimala Bali, under whom she performed her Arangetram in 1976. As a senior dancer of Smt. Bali’s dance troupe of Natyalaya, she travelled extensively all over India, giving many performances, both solo and group in Bharatanatyam and in dance dramas and Kuravanji Natya Natakams. She has performed lead roles in dance ballets like Sangha Tamizh Malai, Azhagar Kuravanji, Chandalika and Sant Sakhu.

From Guru Rajee, Jaishree has learnt not only Bharatanatyam, but also Nattuvangam, Natya Shastra and Carnatic music. She has performed for distinguished sabhas and temple organisations all over India. In Mumbai, she has performed for the National Centre for the Performing Arts, The Shanmukhananda Fine Arts and Sangeetha Sabha, Mulund Fine Arts Society, Rasika Ranjani Sabham, Trios, the Asthika Samaj and others. She has performed lead roles in Nritya Geethanjali dance ballets and has participated in many of their group presentations. She is a B-grade artiste with Doordarshan, Mumbai and has been telecast a number of times.

Jaishree has dedicated herself to the propogation of her Guru’s songs and creations, which she has helped bring out in print. This has resulted in four books of Guru Rajee, Nritya Geeta Mala - Volumes 1 & 2, Natya Sastra Mala and Sangeeta Sastra Mala. She has also assisted her Guru in the making of Nritya Geeta Mala in CDs and audio cassettes. She is currently marketing these books and CDs in India and abroad. She runs her own advertising and design studio, ‘Nvironment’ with her husband, Varad Rao, also a graphic designer. Her two daughters, Maya & Moksha are also Guru Rajee’s disciples. She conducted her elder daughter, Maya’s Arangetram in January, 2002. She also assists her Guru in conducting classes.

Jaishree Rao
jvr0506@gmail.com