Kamala Lakshmi Narayanan

1934 - 2025

Kamala Lakshmi Narayanan
06/16/1934 - 11/23/2025
Kamala Lakshmi Narayanan (Kumari Kamala), 91, internationally celebrated Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, film personality, and teacher, passed away on November 23, 2025, in Millbrae, California, surrounded by family. Born on June 16, 1934, in Mayuram, Tamil Nadu, she was recognized as a rare child prodigy and affectionately known as "Baby Kamala." Beginning her career at age four, she captivated audiences with her expressive abhinaya and mastery of rhythm, becoming one of the foremost exponents of the Vazhuvoor style under the guidance of legendary gurus Kattumannarkoil Muthukumaran Pillai and Vazhuvoor Ramiah Pillai.
Kamala's artistry played a vital role in the cultural revival of Bharatanatyam during India's independence movement. Her performances often featured Subramania Bharati's patriotic songs, reinforcing national pride and cultural identity. She became a cultural ambassador for India, touring extensively around the globe, including a performance for Queen Elizabeth II's 1953 coronation festivities. Her international presence helped project India's classical heritage onto the world stage.
In addition to her stage career, Kamala brought Bharatanatyam to mainstream audiences through cinema, appearing in landmark Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films such as Jagathalaprathaban, Sri Valli, and Avvaiyar. Later settling in the United States, she founded the dance school Sri Bharatha Kamalalaya in Long Island, New York, and taught at institutions including Colgate University and SUNY, inspiring generations of dancers.
Her contributions were recognized with some of the highest honors, including the Padma Bhushan, Kalaimamani Award, Sangeet Natak Akademi honors, and the U.S. National Heritage Fellowship. She continued teaching until the age of 83 and moved to California in 2017 to be with her son Jainand and daughter in law Shanti. Known for her love for animals, she spent her final years surrounded by family, music, dance, films, and the warmth of home.
Visitation will be held Friday, November 28, 2025, from 9:30–11:30 a.m. at Chapel of the Highlands, Millbrae, CA, followed by cremation at Irvington Memorial Cemetery in Fremont, CA.