2016-02-09 Tue

Thanjavur Balasaraswati was a celebrated Indian dancer who was born on 13 May 1918 into a family of musicians.

All her family members were musicians and earlier generations had renowned dancers. Balasaraswathi’s interest in dance & music led her to learn Bharatanatyam and music. She was known for her “abhinaya” and was said to portray any song imaginatively, without any anticipation. She performed on many international events. In England she had the honour of performing on eight consecutive nights in the Edinburgh festival.

The Sangeet Natak Akademi conferred upon her its prestigious national award and she received the Padma Bhushan in 1957, the title of Sangeeta Kalanidhi in 1975 and Doctorate in 1978. On 9th Feb 1984, Balasaraswathi passed away.

India Post on 3rd December 2010 issued a INR 5 commemorative stamp to honour this legendary Indian Bharatnatyam dancer and eminent classical Karnatic singer. To know more about the stamp click here.