Ragini Chandrashekhar, a Bharatanatyam performer, choreographer, and teacher with over 43 years of experience, was raised in an artistic family. She is a recipient of the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar. Ragini advocates for focusing on one’s work without being fixated on outcomes, promoting commitment to one’s chosen path. Through her performances, she seeks to connect with audiences and enrich lives through the beauty of classical art.

Ragini Chandrashekhar is a highly accomplished Bharatanatyam performer, choreographer, and teacher from New Delhi, with an impressive 43-year journey in the art form. Over the last 35 years, she has dedicated herself to professionally performing Bharatanatyam, captivating audiences with her artistry and skill. Through her work, Ragini not only showcases the beauty of this classical dance but also plays a vital role in preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage.

When asked about her accomplishments, Chandrashekhar shares that every performance on stage, where she connects with the audience and conveys her artistic expression, is a significant achievement in her eyes. Among her notable recognitions is the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar from the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi, which she regards as a testament to her dedication. Ragini believes that such awards and accolades serve not only as validations of her hard work but also as meaningful milestones that guide her journey in the world of dance.

Chandrashekhar shares that her journey as a dancer is one of continuous growth, emphasising that learning is a lifelong process. Like many children, she once aspired to be a surgeon, drawn to the profession's prestige. However, her mother encouraged her to dedicate herself fully to classical dance, guiding her to explore her passion. Ragini pursued a master’s degree in English from Lady Shri Ram College, which she believes enhanced her understanding of dance and its narratives. She highlights her mother’s wisdom, noting that whatever academic path she chose should ultimately enrich her dance career, reinforcing the importance of integrating education with artistic expression.

Ragini Chandrashekhar hails from a rich artistic lineage, feeling immensely fortunate to have been raised in an environment brimming with creativity and talent. Her maternal aunt was a renowned Veena artist and a singer for All India Radio, while her mother achieved prominence as a Bharatanatyam dancer, guru, and singer. This vibrant artistic backdrop naturally led Ragini to embrace a career in dance, with many of her cherished memories intertwined with the realms of dance and music. Her mother played a pivotal role in her development, training her in Bharatanatyam and guiding her to learn from esteemed Bharatanatyam gurus, shaping her into the artist she is today.

She expresses deep gratitude for her mentors, including Guru K.J. Govindarajan, K. Dakshinamurthy, Kalanidhi Narayanan, and Smt. Usha Srinivasan, who generously shared their artistry and knowledge with her. She reflects on the profound impact their teachings had on her development as a dancer, wishing she could have spent more time learning from them to further enrich her journey.

When discussing her role models, Ragini Chandrashekhar expresses that she draws inspiration from every classical dancer contributing to society. However, her mother, Smt. Jamuna Krishnan, stands out as her primary influence. Not only has her mother significantly shaped Ragini's dancing career, but she has also played a crucial role in her overall personal development. From her, Ragini learned the importance of dedicating herself fully to her chosen path. Her mother instilled in her the value of unwavering commitment and the idea that one should invest their entire being into their passion—lessons that resonate deeply with her as both a daughter and a disciple.

Ragini Chandrashekhar fondly recalls being enveloped in a world of dance and music, a sanctuary that kept her away from the distractions often found in today’s generation. She describes her early experiences with Bharatanatyam as profoundly enriching and engaging, allowing her to immerse herself fully in the art form. This nurturing environment not only fostered her passion for dance but also instilled in her a deep appreciation for its cultural significance from a young age.

Chandrashekhar reflects on the challenges she faced in her dancing career, particularly the financial insecurity that often accompanies the early stages of establishing oneself in the arts—something not typically encountered in more conventional professions. Over time, she came to realise that a successful career in dance requires immense patience and dedication. Despite the inherent difficulties of pursuing classical dance, she acknowledges that the unwavering support from her parents and husband played a crucial role in her journey, enabling her to overcome obstacles and achieve her goals.

Reflecting on her earlier mistakes, Chandrashekhar admits that, in her youth, she struggled with impatience and a desire for immediate results in her work. She often yearned for her efforts to bear fruit quickly, a notion that is unrealistic in the world of dance. However, her experiences with various Gurus taught her the invaluable lesson of patience, shaping her into a more skilled and resilient dancer over time.

When asked how she copes with stress and finds peace, Ragini Chandrashekhar shares that dance serves as a powerful outlet, helping her dispel negativity and lift her spirits. She explains that when things don't go as planned, she often takes long walks while listening to music, finding solace in the rhythm of the melodies. Additionally, she enjoys watching movies, spending quality time with friends, and indulging in restful sleep, all of which she considers therapeutic in managing stress.

She also reflects on her life mantra, saying that after navigating numerous ups and downs, she has come to firmly believe in the principle of "Do Your Karma." This philosophy emphasises the importance of committing to one's chosen path without fixating on the outcomes or rewards.

In her message to society, Ragini Chandrashekhar underscores the significance of staying dedicated to whatever career one chooses. She encourages individuals to embrace classical art forms, as they provide a pathway to enrich their lives and cultivate happiness within themselves. Through commitment and passion, she believes that anyone can find fulfilment and joy in their journey.