A life in dance.
An art of devotion.

A tradition carried
forward, with grace.

Performer. Scholar. Choreographer.
Teacher. Social reformer.

Born in Madurai, Narthaki Nataraj trained in the Gurukula tradition under Guru K. P. Kittappa Pillai. Her work carries forward the Thanjavur Quartet repertoire and the rare tradition of Nāyaki Bhāva.

For over four decades, she has brought classical Margam, rare compositions and Tamil literary works to audiences across India and abroad.

A pioneering transgender artist, she became the first transgender Bharatanatyam artiste to receive the Padma Shri. Her journey continues to inspire through art, teaching and social advocacy.