Priya Nateshkumar & Nithya Iyer, the Rajgopal sisters, began their training under Guru Rajee at the tender ages of 7 and 5 years respectively.

They performed their arangetram together in December, 1982 and continued to learn from Guruji, not only Bharatanatyam, but also Natya Sastra and Nattuvangam. Nithya also learnt to play the mridangam and the study of Talasastra under Guruji greatly enhanced her playing. Both have won several prizes in dance competitions.

They have performed together at Ayyappa Seva Samaj, Khopoli, 1984, Rasika Ranjani Sabha, Chennai, 1986, Mulund Fine Arts Society, Mumbai, 1986, Shivali Cultural Society, 1990 and for several other celebrations, like the Ganapathi Festival, Mulund. They have participated in group programmes of Nritya Geethanjali, like the book release function at Shanmukhananda Hall, Nritya Geethanjali Silver Jubilee Celebrations, Kummi & Kolattam programme at NCPA, the Annual Festival of Mulund Fine Arts, Mahakavi Bharati and several natya natakams like Tirumaal Azhagar Kuravanji & Shiva Leela.

Priya is a commerce graduate from Bombay University and has passed the Intermediate examinations, conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

Priya Nateshkmar
pnr2000@rediffmail.com