Vidya Bhardwaj, born in 1974, was introduced to Guru Rajee by her maternal aunt, Jaishree Rao and she started her training at the age of 4. After 3 years, she moved to Chennai, where she continued training under Guru Rajee’s sister, Smt. Neela Balasubramanian. During this period, Vidya participated in many group performances.

In 1991, she emigrated to Sydney, Australia with her family. She continued her tutelage under Guru Rajee by religiously spending a few months with her, every alternate year. In 1996, she performed her Arangetram in Mumbai. During the time she was in Sydney, she gave numerous performances. She has performed regularly for the Indian consulate in Sydney, for their official functions. She has taught many students the basics of Bharatanatyam and also conducted many performances.

Vidya is a practising veterinarian and researcher. She is also deeply involved in the Chinmaya Mission. She is currently doing her Masters in Melbourne, where she learns Bharatanatyam from Sri Chandrabhanu, well known dancer in Melbourne and great admirer of Guru Rajee, who choreographs and presents her compositions regularly, making them a regular feature of his repertoire.

Vidya holds a black belt in Karate and currently learns Kungfu. She spends her spare time, exploring the great Australian outbacks, with her husband, Michael Wilson. In January 2002, she compered the Arangetram of her cousin, Maya Rao with elan. Despite her busy schedules, she always makes time for Bharatanatyam and is in constant touch with Guru Rajee, seeking her expert guidance.

vidyab74@hotmail.com