Kamala Rani joined Kalakshetra, the famed arts institute in Madras in 1944. As a vocalist she used to sing for the dance dramas of Rukmini Devi. Later she took to nattuvangam and has ever since been the prime nattuvangam artiste for the dance performances in Kalakshetra.

During the early days in Kalakshetra she was also trained to sing the compositions for which the music was set by veterans like Tiger Varadachariar and Mysore Vasudevachariar.

She was also a recipient of the 'Sangita Bhushanam' from the Annamalai University and the 'Sangita Sironmani' from the Teachers College of Music, Madras. Says Janardhanan, former Principal of Kalakshetra, "Kamala Rani was one of the first few lady nattuvanars who came from an affluent family. She had dedicated her life to Kalakshetra. She was a very affable person, as I've known her. Her passing away is a great loss to the dance field. We cannot compensate her."

Kamala Rani is survived by her son Ravi, daughter Sathyabama (who runs dance classes in the U.S and S.Africa) and their family members.

Contact:
Ravi, 'Gangotri', A2/33, Rajaji Nagar Main Road,
Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai 600 041.
Ph: 044-24926047. E-mail: kannamma@vsnl.com

If you knew Kamala Rani or if you were her student and wish to share an anecdote, mail your messages to editor@kutcheribuzz.com
Here are the messages we received at KutcheriBuzz:

It is very sad to know that Kamalarani-teacher is no more. She was a giant in her chosen field.I remain grateful to her for all that she taught me. I extend my condolences to her family. May her soul rest in peace. - Apsara Ram Gopal Kshetra, Malaysia I would always cherish the memories of having learnt nattuvangam from Kamalarani auntie. She had tremendous command on layam and would make the most intricate patterns of rhythm appear so easy. My heart-felt condolences to her family. - Leela Rammohan Raagalaya, USA Its very very sad that Kamala maami is no more with us. Its definitely a great loss to the field of dance. I am extremely grateful to her for whatever she taught me in Nattuvangam. She will forever remain in my heart and I'll always listen to her through her cassettes. May God give the strength to all her loved ones to bear this huge loss. May her soul rest in peace. - Manjula Amaresh Dubai I have known Smt.Kamalarani teacher for many years. She is a well wisher and it is shocking to know that she is no more. She has seen me grow and has been very encouraging in all my endevours. Very recently she came as a judge for my dance game show 'Thaka Dhimi Tha' on Jaya TV. She has spoken about the importance of nattuvangam and the show will be telecast in June. It is a great loss to the art field and I convey my condolances to the family members. May her soul rest in peace. - Radhika Shurajit The Trio Sisters, Madras I'm so sorry to know the sad demise of Kamala maami. My brother Pulikeshi and I learnt the nuances of nattuvangam from Kamala maami and we shall always remember her as a talented guru and a very friendly person. - Sushma Kasthuri Soorya Dance Company, U.S.A www.sooryadance.com