Smt Nirupama Rajendra and Sri T D Rajendra are acclaimed artists and founders of Abhinava Dance Company, recognized as one of India’s foremost husband–wife duos in classical dance. Over their 34-year career, they have distinguished themselves as versatile choreographers and performers, with Nirupama mastering both Kathak and Bharathanrithyam. Together, they have created over 200 original works and pioneered projects such as the research and video documentation of the 108 Deshi Marga Adavus. Their revival of the traditional “Madanothsava” festival, under Dr R Ganesh’s guidance, is a significant contribution to cultural heritage.
Commissioned by the Murty Foundation, they directed and documented the 7th-century Sanskrit play Bhagavadajjukam as per Natya Shastra guidelines. Both artists hold the “A TOP” grade from Doordarshan and are empanelled as “Outstanding Category” artists with ICCR.
They are recipients of several prestigious honors, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi’s “Akademi Puraskar” (the highest national recognition for performing artists, awarded by the President of India), “Karnataka Kalashree” (Government of Karnataka), “Nrithya Choodamani” (Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, Chennai), “U.S.K. Rao–Chandrabhaga Devi Dance Couple Award”, “Kalaa Saarathi” (Art of Living Foundation), the Indian Express “Devi Award”, “Ananya Puraskara”, “Purandara Acharya Award”, “Narthaka 2025 Award” (Natyanjali Trust, Chennai), and “Fellow” of Vedic Wellness University, Florida.
Nirupama has served as an honorary member of the Karnataka Sangeeta Nruthya Academy. The couple recently convened the 42nd Natya Kala Conference “Abhijaata” by Krishna Gana Sabha, Chennai.