Lavanya Sundram, an accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer, singer and nattuvanar, hails from a family of musicians. Nee Radhika Ramani, she was initiated to the dance form at the early age of four. Since then, as a disciple of Guru Rajee, she has learnt to proficiently express the nuances of the art.

Lavanya had the good fortune to take to the stage at the tender age of ten, when she performed her arangetram, in 1986. Thereafter, she had the privilege of being invited to perform at a number of reputed cultural institutions in the country, both individually as well as in a group, under the aegis of Nritya Geethanjali.

Some of the prestigious Sabhas, where she has performed in our metropolis are The National Centre for the Performing Arts, the Tata Theatre, Nehru Centre, The Shanmukhananda Fine Arts and Sangeetha Sabha, Chembur Fine Arts in Mumbai, for cultural festivals in Chennai and the C.P.C. She is also a graded artist of Doordarshan.

Lavanya is also an accomplished singer of Bhajans and Abhangs and has performed extensively. At present, she is undergoing advanced training in vocal Carnatic music.

After her marriage in June 2001, Lavanya shifted to New Delhi. With the encouragement of her family, the Sundrams of Madras Stores, New Delhi, she conducts classes imparting training in Bharatanatyam, vocal Carnatic music and Bhajans. Having also learnt the art of Nattuvangam and Natya Shastra, Lavanya is constantly invited by various leading performing artistes, to conduct their dance programmes.

Lavanya Sundram
radhikaramani7@rediffmail.com