Rajeswari Sainath

Rajeswari Sainath is an Indian Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer based in Hyderabad, India. She is known for her performances and choreography, often collaborating with her daughter, Vyshnavie Sainath.^[1] Sainath has been recognized for her contributions to Indian classical dance, receiving the Kalaimamani award from the Tamil Nadu government in 2018.^[2][3]

Rajeswari Sainath
Born	Hyderabad, India
Occupation(s)	Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer
Children	Vyshnavie Sainath
Awards	Kalaimamani (2018)

Early life and training

Rajeswari Sainath was born in Hyderabad, India.^[1] She began her Bharatanatyam training under Guru Indra Rajan and later continued her studies with other notable teachers.^[4][5] She developed an interest in rhythmic compositions and has worked with percussionists, including the late mridangam maestro Karaikudi Mani.^[6][7] Her training emphasized the mathematical precision of rhythms in Bharatanatyam, which influenced her choreography.^[8]

Career

Sainath performs traditional Bharatanatyam recitals, adhering to the margam format, which includes a sequence of items such as pushpanjali, varnam, and tillana.^[9] She has also choreographed and performed Bharatanatyam ballets, including Sri Lalitha Vaibhavam,^[10] Rajsimha (based on Lord Narasimha),^[11] and productions tracing the river Godavari.^[12][13] One of her ballets focused on environmental themes, highlighting the importance of rivers.^[14] These works often incorporate complex rhythmic patterns, such as the khanda jati triputa tala, showcasing her focus on rhythm in dance.^[6][15]

Her performances combine traditional techniques with thematic narratives.^[16] For example, her ballet Ode to the River was presented as a tribute to the river Godavari, combining dance with storytelling.^[13] Sainath has performed at various cultural festivals and venues, including events organized by the Sri Krishna Gana Sabha.^{[citation needed]}

Sainath frequently collaborates with her daughter, Vyshnavie Sainath, who is also a Bharatanatyam dancer.^[1][9] Their joint performances maintain the traditional structure of Bharatanatyam recitals.^[9] In addition to performing, Sainath teaches Bharatanatyam, emphasizing both technique and expression in her training approach.^[5][17]

Awards and recognition

In 2018, Sainath was honored with the Kalaimamani award by the Tamil Nadu government for her contributions to Bharatanatyam.^[2][3] She has also been acknowledged for her performances at national and international dance festivals.^[18]

Personal life

Rajeswari Sainath resides in Hyderabad with her family. Her daughter, Vyshnavie Sainath, is a Bharatanatyam dancer and often performs alongside her.^[1][9]