FOUNDER

Guru Sri Gajjela Ranjith Kumar

Principal & President – Perini Nrityalayam

Perini Praveena | MA, B.Ed | MPA (Dance)

Guru Sri Gajjela Ranjith Kumar is a highly respected classical dance exponent and educator, best known for his exceptional mastery and dedicated promotion of Perini Shivatandavam, the ancient warrior dance form of Telangana. As the founder and principal dance guru of Perini Nrityalayam – Nataraja Kalakrishna Nritya Jyothi Academy, he has been instrumental in preserving and propagating this powerful and spiritual dance tradition.

With academic qualifications including MA and MPA in Dancefrom Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University( nowrenamed Suravaram Pratapa Reddy Telugu University Hyderabad ). He brings both scholarly insight and deep practical knowledge to his art. He also holds a B.Ed degree from Ekashila College, Jangaon, equipping him with strong pedagogical skills for nurturing the next generation of artists.

Ranjith Kumar has earned certification and diplomas in Kuchipudi and Andhra Natyam, and has been trained by some of the most legendary dance maestros in India. However, it is his specialized expertise in Perini Dance that sets him apart as a leading figure in the revival and modern teaching of this dynamic art form.

Special Contributions to Perini Dance:

• A dedicated disciple of eminent Gurus like Padma Shri Dr. Nataraja Ramakrishna and Dr. Kalakrishna, Ranjith Kumar continues their legacy by actively teaching and performing Perini across India.
• He is recognized for his powerful stage presence, deep understanding of Shaivite philosophy, and precise expression of the tandava essence in Perini.
• Through his academy, he has trained numerous students, many of whom have gone on to become Perini performers and ambassadors of Telangana’s cultural heritage.
• He has played a vital role in bringing Perini to mainstream cultural festivals, workshops, and academic forums, advocating for its inclusion in dance syllabi and cultural institutions.

Dance Gurus Under Whom He Trained:

• Padma Shri Dr. Nataraja Ramakrishna – Renowned for Perini Dance and Andhra Natyam
• Dr. Sri Kalakrishna – Recipient of the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award; Expert in Perini Dance and Andhra Natyam
• Perini Ratna Dr. Bandi Kumar – Eminent Perini exponent
• Perini Rudra Sri Dumpeti Prakash – Recipient of the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award; Expert in Perini Dance and Andhra Natyam
• Late Dr. Suvarchala Devi – Eminent Guru in Andhra Natyam
• Late Smt. Kuppa Padmaja – Eminent Guru in Kuchipudi

Vision & Legacy:

Guru Gajjela Ranjith Kumar's vision is to revive, enrich, and globalize Perini Shivatandavam by instilling in his students a deep reverence for tradition along with artistic excellence. His teaching blends rigorous traditional training with a modern educational approach, ensuring the dance form remains vibrant, authentic, and inspiring to future generations.

Guru Smt. Chatharaju Navyaja, MPA (Dance), M.Tech

Secretary – Perini Nrityalayam

Guru Smt. Chatharaju Navyaja is a distinguished classical dancer, academic, and educator whose work bridges the rich legacy of Indian classical dance with contemporary academic excellence. As the Secretary of Perini Nrityalayam, she plays a vital role in the preservation, propagation, and revitalization of the ancient warrior dance form Perini Natyam and the graceful Andhra Natyam tradition.

Navyaja’s artistic journey is a powerful blend of rigorous traditional training and modern academic achievement, embodying a rare harmony between art and intellect. She holds a Master of Performing Arts (MPA) in Dance from Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University (PSTU), Hyderabad, a premier institution known for nurturing classical arts. Complementing her artistic credentials, she also holds a Master of Technology (M.Tech) from BITS College, Warangal, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to interdisciplinary excellence.

In addition to her academic degrees, she is a certified and diploma holder in Classical Dance from NKKNJ Academy, reflecting years of intensive practical training and dedication to her craft.

Training & Influences:

Smt. Navyaja has had the privilege of training under some of the most revered gurus in the field of Indian classical dance, which has deeply influenced her style and pedagogy:

• Dr. Kala Krishna – A Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee and a legendary exponent of Perini Natyam and Andhra Natyam.
• Late Dr. Suvarchala Devi – A scholar and highly respected practitioner of Andhra Natyam from Telugu University.
• Guru Sri Gajjala Ranjith Kumar – Renowned master of Perini and Andhra Natyam and a leading revivalist of these dance forms.

Professional Role:

Currently serving as an Assistant Lecturer in Perini Dance at the Government College of Music and Dance, Vidyaranya, Hanumakonda, Navyaja is actively engaged in teaching and mentoring young artists. Her academic role allows her to shape future performers with a solid foundation in both theory and practice.

Legacy and Vision:

Smt. Navyaja is known not only for her refined performances and command over the nuances of classical dance, but also for her unwavering passion for cultural heritage. Her efforts are focused on reviving the historical and spiritual essence of Perini and Andhra Natyam while making them relevant and accessible to today’s audiences. Through performances, scholarly research, and teaching, she inspires a new generation of dancers to carry forward these traditions with pride and authenticity.

Her journey exemplifies the ideal blend of tradition and modernity, making her a respected name in the Indian classical dance community and a key contributor to the ongoing renaissance of Telangana’s rich performing arts heritage.