With three decades of experience in the classical arts, Anupama left her corporate career for dance. Founder of a dance academy, she has given performances across different countries. She also reached the 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' semi-finals and received the 'Kamla Power Women Award' by the state government.With three decades of experience in the classical arts, Anupama left her corporate career for dance. Founder of a dance academy, she has given performances across different countries. She also reached the 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' semi-finals and received the 'Kamla Power Women Award' by the state government.

Anupama Devarajan is a Carnatic Musician and Bharatanatyam dancer. She also trains students through her dance academy, Vidya Vardhini Fine Arts Academy, situated in Mumbai.

Born and raised in Chennai, Anupama grew up in a musical environment. All her family members were fond of listening to music. She remembers how her grandmother used to teach her bhajans. She started learning music when she was around four years old, as she used to accompany her mother, who was also learning music. Simultaneously, her initiation into Bharatanatyam commenced at the age of six. Witnessing the performances of senior artists in Chennai served as a wellspring of inspiration. Furthermore, she delved into the realms of Sanskrit and slokas from the Vedas and sacred scriptures.

Anupama reminisces about celebrating her birthdays in orphanages and old-age homes, engaging in singing and food offerings. Grateful for the encouragement from her gurus, she actively participated in public stage performances at various temples and ‘sabhas’ during her early years. So, her childhood memories are filled with growing up with music and dance, along with her academic studies.

Reflecting on her journey, Anupama elucidates that her foray into dance was initially driven by passion rather than a professional pursuit, with studies always occupying the primary focus. A graduate of IIM, Ahmedabad, she subsequently worked as an Investment Banker in Hong Kong. Post-marriage, her relocation to London did not impede her dedication to her passion. She continued performing even during her college and working days, which allowed her to remain in touch with her passion.

In 2010, she settled in Mumbai, welcoming motherhood in the same year. She was working part time and focused more on her passion. Eventually, she established her dance academy and also joined as a dance faculty member in her guru's academy. Finally, she embraced her passion as a full-time profession. She feels a deep sense of inner peace and awakening, which gives her internal stability and mental strength. She enjoys performing for audiences and teaching students.

Talking about her experiences, Anupama says that she has learned at every stage of life. During her business school days, she was exposed to various cultures and genres of music. She also reached the semi-finals of the popular reality show ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’ from the state of Gujarat. Even in her professional career, she enjoyed working with different people and business leaders. She learned time management and handling different situations, which eventually helped her start her own dance academy.

Highlighting her achievements, Anupama recounts accolades for academic excellence and co-curricular achievements in college and school. The 'Kamla Power Women Award,' conferred upon her by the Governor of Maharashtra, stands as a testament to her multifaceted accomplishments. She takes pride in her performances across the nation and internationally, expressing contentment in passing on her guru's teachings to her students. She claims classical music helps a student focus more on studies and can be a stress reliever.

When asked about her role models, Anupama unequivocally acknowledges her gurus as guiding lights and says she draws inspiration from her family, especially her grandmother, parents, and aunt. Her unwavering support system includes her husband and in-laws.

Outside her artistic pursuits, Anupama finds solace in painting, story writing (having published a few), and quality time with her family.

Anupama’s life mantra is to never stop learning.

To all those who want to pursue this field, Anupama advises them to trust their gurus, be humble, and keep learning.