Harinie Jeevitha

Harinie Jeevitha
Born
Harinie Jeevitha Narasimhan

(1995-01-16) January 16, 1995
India
NationalityIndian
Occupation(s)Bharatanatyam dancer, Choreographer, Author
Years active2005–present
Known forBharatanatyam
StyleMelattur

Harinie Jeevitha (Tamil: ஹரிணி ஜீவிதா is an Indian classical dancer and choreographer. A senior disciple of Sheela Unnikrishnan of Sridevi Nrithyalaya,[1] she started training at the age of six in the Melattur style of bharathanatyam[2] and within three months, performed a small role in the production Balaramayanam.[3]

At the age of 9, she performed her first solo[3] and completed her arangetram in 2006.[4] From a very young age, Harinie became a well-known name in dance circles and is 'recognized for the depth of research, understanding, and internalization' she brings to her performances.[5] According to Hans India, Harinie brought 'conversational vibrancy' to her work through her 'skillful blending of nritta, natya, and abhinaya. [6]

"Harinie’s performance stood out for its grace and artistry." The Hindu, 2024 [1]

In 2009, Harinie was conferred the Bal Shree title by the National Bal Bhavan in the field of Creative Performance, an honor constituted by the Government of India.[4] Dance critic, Rupa Srikanth of The Hindu described Harinie as 'a dancer who has it all: a personable presence, an excellent sense of timing, grace, agility, suppleness, perfection in execution, an expressive face, and a palpable passion.' [7] She is often praised for her refined, sculpturesque poses and for executing some of the most difficult karanas (classical dance movements) with ease.[8]

In 2023, after participating in eighteen dance dramas choreographed by her teacher, Harinie presented her first independent production, titled Varadaraja Upasmahe. [3]

She has authored and published two poetry collections: Perspectives and The Siblings of Kanchipuram: A Garland of Poems.[9]

Harinie continues to perform at prestigious dance festivals in India and abroad as part of Sheela Unnikrishnan's troupe, and has also conducted international dance workshops alongside her teacher.[10]

Education

Harinie graduated with a degree in English Literature and later completed her post-graduation in Dance. [3] She was awarded a scholarship by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, under the Scholarship to Young Artists Scheme for the years 2015–16 and 2016–17. [10]

Harinie is also an 'A' grade artiste with Doordarshan.[10]

Awards & Recognition

  • Bala Shree title from National Bal Bhavan, 2009[4]
  • Won the Excellency Award by the VDS Arts Academy
  • Received Ranjani Rajan Award as the Best Dancer
  • 1st prize at the Classical Duo (with Archana Raja) and the 2nd at the Classical Solo dance contests of Akhil Bharatiya Sanskrutik Sangh (Pune, 2009)
  • 1st prize in the final round of Konjum Salangai dance competition series by Doordarshan TV (Podigai), 2008
  • 1st prize (Feb 2008) and 2nd prize (2009) in the all-India level (mixed age group) Bharatanatyam * competition in Hyderabad organized by Navya Nataka Samiti
  • 1st prize in the all-India level Bharatanatyam competition in Bangalore (2008) conducted by Gopinath Das Nyasa
  • 1st prize in Thaka-Dhimi-Tha, a dance competition show conducted by Jaya TV
  • 1st prize in Bharathanatyam dance contest conducted by Sivan Arts Academy (2005)
  • 1st prize in the junior category at the Bharatanatyam contest by Concern India in 2009
  • Best Bharatanatyam Dancer 2007 Award in the Junior Category from the Auroville Cultural Exchange
  • Prize from Kanaka Sabha (Mumbai) in all-India Level Competition
  • Prizes in Jawahar Bala Bhawan (Tamil Nadu) state- and Chennai district- level competitions
  • 1st prize in the Jaya Vidya Learning Centre's Bharatanatyam contest
  • Received the YGP Golden Jubilee Award as the "Best Actor" is also a recipient of the Bharat Kalachar scholarships for dance for 2004 - 2010

Notable Solo Performances (Abroad)

Source:[10]

  • Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2020)
  • Sydney, Australia (2019)
  • Melbourne, Australia (2018)
  • Toronto, Canada (2017)
  • Singapore (2014)
  • Oslo, Norway (2012)

Notable Solo Performances (India)

Source:[10]

  • Kartik Fine Arts (2020)
  • SABHA, Sridevi Nrithyalaya (2020)
  • Narada Gana Sabha (2019)
  • IIT, Mumbai (2019)
  • Chamber concerts in Bangalore (2019)
  • Sri Krishna Gana Sabha (2019)
  • Annual Dance Festival, The Music Academy (2019)
  • Sri Krishna Gana Sabha (2018)
  • Satyam Sivam Sundaram (2018)
  • Sri Krishna Gana Sabha (2017)
  • Annual Dance Festival, The Music Academy (2017)
  • Mid Year Dance Festival, Music Academy (2016)
  • Satyam Sivam Sundaram (2016)
  • Sri Krishna Gana Sabha (2016)
  • HCL Concert Series, Music Academy (2015)
  • Natyarangam, Narada Gana Sabha (2015)
  • RR Sabha (2014)
  • Spirit of Youth, Music Academy (2014)
  • Mylapore Fine Arts Club (2013)
  • Sri Krishna Gana Sabha (2013)
  • Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha (2012)
  • Indian Fine Arts Society (2012)
  • Sri Krishna Gana Sabha (2011)
  • Yuva Utsav, Bharat Kalachar (2011)
  • Satyam Sivam Sundaram (2011)
  • Brahma Gana Sabha (2010)
  • Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha (2010)
  • Kartik Fine Arts (2009)
  • Nungambakkam Cultural Academy (2008)
  • Parthasarathy Swami Sabha (2007)
  • VDS Arts Academy (2007)
  • Guruvayur Temple, Trivandrum (2006)
  • Pollachi Tamil Sangham (2006)
  • Balasaraswathi Festival (2005)
  • VDS Arts Academy (2004)

References

  1. ^ a b Ramadevi, B. (22 April 2024). "Harinie Jeevitha's 'Varadarajam Upasmahe' had all the artistic elements in the right proportion". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
  2. ^ "The Madras Music Academy Dance Festival - Day 5". Narthaki.
  3. ^ a b c d "Harinie Jeevitha: Fine Blending of Tradition and Innovation". 31 October 2023. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
  4. ^ a b c "Drama and Bhakti that keep up with rhythm".
  5. ^ Gangavalli, Anna Rao (12 December 2024). "A Mesmerising Celebration of Bharatanatyam in Hyderabad". www.thehansindia.com. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
  6. ^ Gangavalli, Anna Rao (12 December 2024). "A Mesmerising Celebration of Bharatanatyam in Hyderabad". www.thehansindia.com. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
  7. ^ "Full of verve". The Hindu. 2 July 2015. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
  8. ^ "Emerging artistes - Maintaining a competitive edge is key to winning the hearts of rasikas - Uma Balasubramaniam". narthaki.com. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
  9. ^ "Harinie Jeevitha". www.goodreads.com. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
  10. ^ a b c d e "Harinie Jeevitha detailed". Sridevi Nrithyalaya. Retrieved 20 June 2025.

Sources