About Rashmi Khanna

Rashmi Khanna, a prominent Bharatnatyam exponent, is acknowledged as an adept dancer, guru, choreographer and a special educator. Director and the founding member of Kalyani Kala Mandir, she started her training in the Dandayudapanipillai style of Bharatnatyam from Guru Smt Kalyani Shekar at age seven. Her achievement in the precision of technique, form and abhinaya in the field of Bharatnatyam as well as creative Indian dance is unparalleled.

Her expertise in Bharatnatyam has won her many awards including the “Critic Circle of India Award”, “Sakha Award”, “Pride of the Nation Award”, “Sarasalaya Award” and the “Nav Kiran Award”. She also has many titles tucked under her belt, the important ones being the “Nritya Vidya Ratna”, and the “Nritya Bharat Ratna”, bestowed upon her by leading dance institutions of Delhi and Chennai. Her latest achievement is the Honorary Doctorate that has been bestowed upon her for her valuable contributions to Fine Arts.

Rashmi Khanna has also been a scholarship holder for her proficiency in Bharatnatyam from the ICCR, Sahitya Kala Parishad and the Ministry of Culture (HRD). She has not only performed in all the important venues of the country, but also represented India at international forums.

Aside from pursuing Bharatnatyam, she has also learnt Folk Dance from Bal Bhawan, trained in Kathak, and learnt Modern Indian Ballet as well as Chhaau from Shriram Bhartiya Kala Kendra. She has learnt Salsa, Jazz and Tap Dancing also from the Delhi School of music. Beginning her training in Carnatic music from Guru Smt. Vijaylaxmi Krishnan, Rashmi continues to pursue it under the tutelage of Guru Shri G. Elangovan. Rashmi is also learning advanced nattuvangam under the guidance of Shri Hemanth Lakshman.

A graded Doordarshan artiste, she is also a special educator specialising in multiple disabilities and continues to work with children with special needs.
To broaden her horizons as an artist and for satiating her quest for seeking knowledge in the field of dance, architecture and iconography and exploring other dance forms as well, Rashmi holds a Masters Degree in Performing Arts and is currently pursuing a PhD in dance from the World University of Design.