Guru Padmini Ramachandran was born in Kerala's Mavallikkara on September 8, 1944. She was brought up in Chennai and started learning Bharatanatyam under Pandanallur Chokkalingam Pillai. She went on to learn under Vazhuvoor Ramaiah Pillai and performed her arangetram with his guidance. She sprung to popularity and was scouted by several directors which led to her flamboyant yet brief stint with cinema. Her most noteworthy works were Narthanasala opposite N.T. Rama Rao, Iruvar Ullam opposite Sivaji Ganesan and opposite Raj Kapoor in Dil Hi To Hai where she danced in the popular song "Laaga chunari mein daag." Many more opportunities beckoned her into acting but she gave it all up to pursue her true passion - dance.
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Guru Padmini Ramachandran was a representation of energy, enthusiasm and creativity. She loved dancing so much, she saw it in every walk of her life. She was very adventurous through out her life. I happened to work with her in her "Hima Shwetha" - probably very first Kannada dance drama television serial, may be the last one too. She brought out the beautiful story through classical dance technique very well. Many main major dancers of current times such as Lakshmi Gopalaswamy, Navya Natarajan, Rangashree and many others owe their learning to her. Her nattuvangam and Jahnavi's singing was a great combination and scintillated audience. She was an amazing teacher with great technique.
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