The Devoted Dancing Duo

The World renowned dancing couple Dr. Raja and Radha Reddy have given a new dimension to the age old art of Kuchipudi dance without sacrificing the traditional poetry or dramatic sensibility. With rare excellence and perfection of technique they have earned the credit for Kuchipudi’s high ranking today among the major dance forms of India. They hail from the state of Andhra Pradesh, the birthplace of Kuchipudi style of Indian classical Dance.
 
Through their togetherness and perfect unison Dr. Raja and Radha Reddy portray the masculine vigor lyrical charm of the pairs of Hindu mythology such as Shiva-Parvati, Rama-Sita and Krishna-Radha thus identifying themselves with the twin concept of Purusha and Prakriti, the male- female principle in Indian philosophy. In precise postures and refined patterns the duo re-enlivens the magnificent sculptures chiseled in the ancient temples of India.

The unique art of Raja and Radha Reddy found befitting official recognition through the many awards. They created history by becoming first couple to receive individually and simultaneously the Padma Shree and PADMA BHUSHAN and the prestigious Sangeet Natak Award. They have had the honour of participating in International Dance Festivals such as the Avignon in France, Salzburg in Austria, Edinburg in Scotland, Festival of India in USA , South America, South Africa, Europe and so on. They were invited to the declare open the “Play House Theatre” in Durban, South Africa for general public with their inaugural Kuchipudi performance and also had the privilege of representing India as the star attraction of the All-star Ballet Gala festival in Japan.

The dancing duo Raja and Radha Reddy are also one of the most sought after choreographers in the country today. In their career spanning over four decades they have choreographed several dance dramas, solos, duets and group performances. 

Raja and Radha Reddy attribute a major part of their success to Kaushalya Reddy. Without whom they believe their life would have been incomplete. As Raja’s second wife she is not only a partner in their professional life but is also partner in personal life. Today they are synonymously known as the Kuchipudi trio Raja Radha and Kaushlaya Reddy.

Dr. Raja, Radha and Kaushalya Reddy along with their daughters Yamini and Bhavana, in the true style of Guru-Shishya parampara are engaged in passing on their art to younger generation at their institution NATYA TARANGINI in New Delhi and Hyderabad.

“… If dancers are representatives of a culture, what one could see in Raja and Radha Reddy were the rich, intricate, melodic and poignant qualities .. that is India in all its diversity….”     Pira Sudham, Bangkok Post.

“….Andhra’s contribution to Indian Dance, Kuchipudi and its star exponents, Raja and Radha Reddy scaling a new water mark of excellence… breath taking stamina, fine technique and above all its merging with superbly felt and conveyed expressions…..” Shanta Sarabjeet Singh, The Hindustan Times

“….One of the most superb performances seen anywhere in the world…..”
New York Dance Times

“….Raja’s posture, his slightest movement, his timing – all be spoke an outstanding dancer both authoritative and natural no matter whether or not you know anything at all about Kuchipudi…..” JamsKennedy in the Guardian

“….Raja and Radha Reddy move vigorous and athletic, their facial expressions naughty and piquant, their movements humorous, bold and picturesque. They provided the rousing finale of the evening in exact western terms…..” Max Loppert, Financial Times, London

“….Raja with his wife Radha Reddy was outstanding when he presented the nine incarnations of Lord Vishnu…. Here was a strikingly handsome young male dancer with strong stage presence, making the village dance-drama style of Kuchipudi spring to life, and dancing at high speed under full control….” Fernau Hall in the Daily Telegraph

“….Stormed and circled the stage flashing out showers of cleanly articulated dramatic gestures….” Don McDonagh in The New York Times

“…. Raja and Radha Reddy attractive pair, she tiny, curvaceous and prone to fits of giggles, he tall and romantically handsome. They are virtually unique in the classical dance of India because they always perform as a couple….” Jan Murray in The Guardian

“…Radha and Raja’s recital should be an eye-opener to many other professional and self-styled artistes in our country…..”  The Times of India