Trailblazing First

Legendary Kuchipudi Dance Icon

One of Singapore’s leading lights in classical dance, acclaimed internationally for path-breaking productions and cultural diplomacy.

Trailblazing First

Legendary Kuchipudi Dance Icon

One of Singapore’s leading lights in classical dance, acclaimed internationally for path-breaking productions and cultural diplomacy.

Kala Shiromani

Natya Kala Nipuna

Dance Icon of Singapore

Bharatha Kala Ratna

Times Power Icon

TRAILBLAZING FIRST

Shantha Says

For me Kuchipudi is a perfect combination of spritely lyricism, intricate rhythmic patterns and consummate acting (abhinaya) which lends to its appeal as it adheres to the precepts laid down in the Natya Shastra.

My foray into Kuchipudi, after Bharatanatyam, Kathakali and Martial Arts has given me the opportunity to play and enjoy the new works and experimentations that happens along the way.

As we stand on the shoulders of many great gurus who handed down this legacy, we in turn hope to enrich it, while it enriches us, and pass it on to new generations of aspirants and audiences.

The intense and rewarding experience of performing; the special joy of nurturing new and young talents; the motivation from audiences the world over; the inspiration from life itself – continues to make it a wholesome and fulfilling journey.

The world of dance creates a Kairos space for me where time is non-sequential and qualitative in nature – offering me the sanctuary, fantasy and peace, I so treasure. It has also allowed me the curiosity, the creativity and, I dare say, the cheekiness with which I view life today.

When I am dancing, I feel at peace…. like everything is working perfectly for me and through me…

– Shantha Ratii

Latest Awards

Recent honours recognising artistic excellence and leadership.

IPAC Apsara — 2025

Bharatha Kala Ratna • Singapore
Recognising global impact, artistic innovation and mentorship.

Times Icon Award — 2025

Shantha Ratii Initiatives (SRI) Ltd., New Delhi
Excellence in Art and Cultural Performances.

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Core Philosophies

In a dazzling career spanning five decades, Shantha Ratii has scaled almost every peak in Indian classical dance. Critics hail her as ‘sculpture come alive,’ ‘visual poetry,’ and ‘a rare combination of quicksilver movements and beguiling abhinaya.’ She trained under legendary gurus in Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Kathakali, and was among the first members of the Singapore National Dance Company, representing her country in Australia and Russia. She has performed across the globe – USA, UK, Switzerland, Japan, Iraq, Australia, Russia, and Malaysia – at prestigious festivals and venues. Beyond performance, she has innovated by introducing calligraphy, martial arts, and cross-cultural collaborations into Kuchipudi, creating works that bridge tradition and modernity. Through the International Dance Day (IDD) Festival and Shantha Ratii Initiatives (SRI), she nurtures young artists through her Mentorship programs, finds new ways to address social issues of our time like environment, coping with Covid and inspires new audiences. She acts as a catalyst for building a cohesive and strong multicultural art landscapes in Singapore while promoting Indian Culture Worldwide.

Innovation
Inclusiveness
Cross-cultural Dialogue
Mentorship

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Achievements

Blending classical purity with creative innovation, she redefined Thillanas as rhythmic Sawal–Jawab woven with intricate footwork. She expanded the repertoire with regional sahitya, Varnams, and Ninda Stuthis, and revived Vachika Abhinaya in Bama Kalapam. In Veera Naaree, she introduced English dialogue for Queen Rudramma’s soliloquy—an artistic first. Her Suddha Nrittam celebrated the mathematical genius of Gurus through rhythmic cycles, while Infinitely Yours Atchyuta, inspired by the Bhagavad Gita, conveyed lessons in character building to youth and professionals. She has also beautifully interpreted the Nirguna and Saguna philosophies of Kabir and Meerabai, enriching Indian classical dance with timeless meaning and modern relevance.

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Gurus & Guidance

Guru Padmabushan Dr Vempati Chinna Satyam

Guru Padmabushan Shri Raja Radha Reddy

Guru Padmabushan Kalanidhi Narayanan

Guru Jiwan Pani

Guru Padmavibushan Kelucharan Mohapatra

Guru Oyur Govinda Pillai

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Seniors & Critics — Reflections

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Major Performances in India

Major Performances Abroad

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Media Spotlight

Interviews & Speech

Interview on India’s Asianet - Singapore Choice

Shantha Ratii Initiatives - Engaging With Tradition

Shantha Ratii’s Guest of Honour speech at SIFAS Festival 2024

Gallery

Performance still / Festival

Behind the scenes

With maestros / Gurus

Awards & felicitation

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SRI Studio — Training

Kuchipudi

Regular classes and mentorship.

Bharatnatyam

Focused intensives and outreach.

Workshops

Workshops that enrich and elevate kids artistry.

Trailblazing Firsts

“First female to train in Kathakali and essay male roles.”

“Only Singaporean invited for Kartik Purnima at Udaipur.”

“Juxtaposed Chinese & Indian calligraphy in choreography.”

“Docu-film linking Kabuki, Noh, Chinese Opera & Kathakali.”

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Upcoming Event

“Blindfolded” – Reimagining the Great Indian Epic Mahabharata

“Blindfolded” is a dance-theatre reimagining of the Mahabharata, told through the inner world of Queen Gandhari as she confronts her conscience on the eve of the devastating Kurukshetra war.

From Shantha’s Prism (Blog)

Radiance in Diversity: Shantha Ratii Initiatives’ Unforgettable Showcase at the Singapore Night Festival

November 18, 2023

Singapore Night Festival does a remarkable display of a multitude of shows to illuminate the Bras Basah, Bugis (BBB) Art precinct including at CHIJMES, National Museum and Funan Mall.

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Nine Nights of Inner Transformation and Empowerment

October 26, 2023

Evoking the 9 aspects of Shakti within us. Whether as Durga, Lakshmi or Saraswathi. Reclaiming that power through worship or meditation; cleansing ourselves of our own demons within – the fears and insecurities that have supressed our strength.


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And Miles to Flow” Docu-film Relaunch

August 27, 2023

Today is THE Day! This re-launch of the docu-film “And Miles to Flow” is purely the brainchild of my dear US based friend Anita Kulkarni. She is a unique mix of Architect, Singer and Arts Promoter through The Renu Forum for the Arts.

 

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Dance Icon, Kuchipudi Exponent, Mentor & Innovator.

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