From co-founding the prestigious dance academy, TAPAS, to gracing renowned stages like the Khajuraho Dance Festival and participating in international tours organized by the ICCR, Janhavi has left an indelible mark on the world of dance.

Kalashri Janhavi Rajaraman, a renowned Bharatanatyam performer and guru, is the driving force behind the esteemed dance academy, TAPAS (The Academy for Performing Arts).

Janhavi's journey as a dance teacher began in 2000, and in 2010, she co-founded TAPAS alongside her two sisters. While one sister shares her passion for dance, the other efficiently manages the administrative aspects of the academy.

Born into a conservative Tamil Brahmin family, Janhavi experienced a childhood where dance held an equal standing with academics. Growing up in New Delhi, she became a disciple of the esteemed Padma Bhushan Awardee, Dr. Saroja Vaidyanatham.

At the tender age of nine, Janhavi embarked on her dance journey. It was during this time that she drew inspiration from the remarkable life story of actress Sudha Chandran, who continued to pursue Bharatanatyam even after losing her legs in an accident.

Despite her family's background in medicine and engineering, Janhavi's passion for the arts remained unwavering. Although she initially pursued the science stream in eleventh grade and even took a pre-medical exam after twelfth grade, her life took a different turn. Recognizing her exceptional Bharatanatyam skills, Delhi University granted her a special seat in the Arts (honors) Program.

Janhavi completed her undergraduate studies in English (honors) and went on to earn a Master's Degree in Mass Communication. She dedicated her M.Phil thesis to her beloved art form, with a focus on ‘Bharatanatyam as a mass medium.’

Throughout her journey, Janhavi faced the challenge of societal expectations. While her family encouraged her to secure a job, they never asked her to give up dancing, recognizing the importance of maintaining her individuality. Balancing her career and dance performances proved demanding, as she diligently responded to office emails during her tours with her dance guru.

Even when Janhavi was chosen as the front-row performer in her Guruji's group for the Commonwealth Games, her company wholeheartedly supported her. Recognizing her outstanding dance performances, her company even published an article about her on their website.

After getting married, Janhavi became mother to a premature baby who required constant care. During this time, her husband and family wholeheartedly supported and encouraged her to revive her dance school, Tapas, which she had successfully established in 2010.

Janhavi's achievements extend beyond her teaching career. She has graced the stage of the renowned Khajuraho Dance Festival and participated in numerous international dance tours organized by the ICCR. Collaborating with artists from different parts of the world, she performed at the Indo-African Business Summit in 2010, alongside her beloved guru.

Additionally, she had the privilege of being a front-row Bharatanatyam dancer with her guru and group at the 19th Commonwealth Games. Janhavi has garnered numerous accolades and titles for her dedicated efforts in promoting Bharatanatyam, including being graded as a Bharatanatyam dancer by the Doordarshan. She also had the honor of delivering a talk on the prestigious TEDx platform. Currently, her dance academy boasts over 100 students from various corners of the country and the world.

Janhavi finds inspiration in several role models. Sudha Chandran's incredible story of perseverance and passion for dance despite losing a leg remains a significant influence in her life. She also holds her guru, Dr. Saroja Vaidyanathan, in high regard, as she imparted the intricacies of dance through invaluable life lessons to Janhavi. Janhavi draws inspiration from her father and husband as well.

Furthermore, Janhavi finds inspiration in her daughter, who exhibited remarkable strength and resilience from the moment of her premature birth, defying the odds predicted by doctors.

Janhavi's life mantra echoes the phrase "Never say never." Discovering this lesson late in life, she found that once she stepped out of her comfort zone, those around her wholeheartedly supported her in overcoming challenges and obstacles.

Janhavi Rajaraman's journey as a Bharatanatyam performer, teacher, and dance academy founder stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication, resilience, and the transformative power of dance.