BlissKetoSupplement at 09:46, 11 April 2026

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{{Short description|Indian Kuchipudi exponent (born 1967)}}
{{Family name hatnote|Gaddam|lang=Telugu}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Gaddam Padmaja Reddy
| image = Gaddam Padmaja Reddy 5.png
| caption = Reddy performing ''Kakatiyam'' in 2018
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1967|1|1|df=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Pamarru, Krishna district|Pamarru]], Andhra Pradesh, India
| occupation = Kuchipudi dancer
| children = 1
| relatives = [[Gaddam Ganga Reddy]] (father-in-law)
| awards = [[#Awards|See Awards]]
}}

'''Gaddam Padmaja Reddy''' (born 1 January 1967) is an Indian [[Kuchipudi]] exponent and music teacher. She performs ballets on mythological themes and contemporary social issues. She choreographed ''Kakatiyam'', a Kuchipudi visual dance form. She was conferred with [[Kala Ratna]] in 2006, India's highest art award–[[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]] in 2015 and [[Padma Shri]], India's fourth highest civilian award, in the field of art for 2022.

== Early life ==
Padmaja Reddy was born on 1 January 1967<ref name=":abn">{{Cite web |date=11 November 2022 |title=పద్మజారెడ్డికి నేడు మహిళా వర్సిటీ డాక్టరేట్‌ ప్రదానం |trans-title=Padmaja Reddy awarded doctorate from women's university today |url=https://www.andhrajyothy.com/2022/andhra-pradesh/chittoor/padmaja-reddy-awarded-doctorate-from-mahila-varsity-today-943381.html |access-date=18 November 2022 |website=[[Andhra Jyothi]] |language=te}}</ref> in a [[Reddy]] family<ref name="idream">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPTLOoUmLS8 |title=Kuchipudi Dancer Padmaja Reddy Exclusive Interview |date=12 September 2017 |last=Anjali |type=Videotape |language=te |publisher=iDream Telugu Movies}}</ref> to G. V. Reddy and Swarajyalakshmi in [[Pamarru, Krishna district]] in Andhra Pradesh.<ref name=":sakshi">{{Cite web |date=26 January 2022 |title=మాజీ ఎంపీ గడ్డం గంగారెడ్డి చిన్నకోడలికి 'పద్మశ్రీ' |trans-title='Padma Shri' for former MP Gaddam Ganga Reddy's younger daughter-in-law |url=https://www.sakshi.com/telugu-news/telangana/nizamabad-kuchipudi-dancer-gaddam-padmaja-reddy-won-padma-shri-award-1430018 |access-date=18 November 2022 |website=[[Sakshi (newspaper)|Sakshi]] |language=te}}</ref><ref name="eenadu" /> She grew up at her grandparents house in Pamarru.<ref name="eenadu">{{Cite web |last=Revalla |first=Venkateswarlu |date=27 January 2022 |title=ఇది శివుడిచ్చిన వరం |trans-title=This is [[Shiva]]'s boon |url=https://www.eenadu.net/telugu-news/women/general/6207/122018232 |access-date=18 November 2022 |website=[[Eenadu]] |language=te}}</ref> She later moved to Hyderabad.<ref name="namaste-telangana">{{Cite news |date=3 November 2016 |title=తెలంగాణ కోడలైనందుకు గర్వపడుతున్నా.. |trans-title=Proud to become Telangana's daughter-in-law |work=[[Namasthe Telangana]] |url=http://www.namasthetelangaana.com/telangana-news/telangana-kuchipudi-artist-padmajareddy-1-1-512190.html |url-status=dead |access-date=18 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106153414/http://www.namasthetelangaana.com/telangana-news/telangana-kuchipudi-artist-padmajareddy-1-1-512190.html |archive-date=6 November 2016}}</ref> Her family lived in [[Yousufguda]]. She was educated in St. Theresa School and then in Reddy College.<ref name="jayajaya-sankara">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56pA5XfiT9w |title=Exclusive Interview with Dr.Padmaja Reddy |date=2 January 2018 |type=Videotape |language=te |publisher=Jaya Jaya Shankara Tv}}</ref> She graduated in Bachelor of Arts.<ref name="idream" />

== Kuchipudi dance ==

Reddy trained in Kuchipudi from [[Shobha Naidu]].<ref name=":abn" /> Reddy gained recognition for her performance in the roles of [[Satyabhama]] and [[Rudrama Devi]].<ref name=":sakshi" /> In an interview, she said she wanted to perform on a unique topic rather than the mythological stories, which are in common occurrences.<ref name="idream" /> She developed and performed several Kuchipudi dance forms that build awareness on contemporary social issues, some of which includes the ballets ''Bruna Hatyalu'', ''Jagruthi'', ''Vajra Bharati'', ''Namaste India'', ''Season of Flowers''. ''Bruna Hatyalu'' condemns [[female foeticide]]s–selective [[abortions]] of female babies, ''Jagruthi'' explores issues surrounding [[HIV/AIDS]] and ''Vajra Bharati'' tries to ignite the ethos of national integrity among people.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 November 2022 |title=Governor Biswabhusan lauds SPMVV for responding to challenges |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/andhra-pradesh/governor-biswabhusan-lauds-spmvv-for-responding-to-challenges-768865 |access-date=18 November 2022 |website=[[The Hans India]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="eenadu" /><ref name="padmashri-citation">{{Cite web |date=2022 |title=Padma Shri - Smt. Gaddam Padmaja Reddy |url=https://www.padmaawards.gov.in/Content/CitationsForTickets/2022/202298.pdf |access-date=18 November 2022 |website=[[Government of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Reddy |first=Nirmala |date=26 December 2021 |title=కాకతీయం: చారిత్రక నృత్య సౌరభం |trans-title=Kakatiyam: A historical dance aura |pages=12 |work=[[Sakshi (newspaper)|Sakshi]] |url=https://www.sakshi.com/sites/default/files/article_images/2022/01/27/26-Padmaja-Reddy.jpg |access-date=18 November 2022 |archive-date=18 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118182332/https://www.sakshi.com/sites/default/files/article_images/2022/01/27/26-Padmaja-Reddy.jpg |url-status=dead }}</ref> Apart from social issues, she performs in ballets involving mythology. Some of her mythological works include ''Bhamakalapam'', ''Mahishashura Mardhini'', ''Navadurgalu'' and ''Kakatiyam''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chakravorty |first=Reshmi |date=6 December 2017 |title=An honourable moment |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/books-and-art/061217/an-honourable-moment.html |access-date=18 November 2022 |website=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="padmashri-citation" />

She teaches Kuchipudi at "Pranav Institute of Kuchipudi Dance" academy, named after her son Pranav.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gudipoodi |first=Srihari |date=4 September 2014 |title=Youngsters take centre stage |language=en-IN |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/dance/youngsters-take-centre-stage/article6379494.ece |access-date=18 November 2022 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref name=":abn" />

== Kakatiyam ==
[[File:Gaddam Padmaja Reddy 1.png|left|thumb|Reddy performing ''Kakatiyam'' in 2018 in the character of [[Rudrama Devi]]]]
Reddy said in an interview that she wanted to develop a classical dance form that is based culture of [[Telangana]]. She developed ''Kakatiyam'', a two-part Kuchipudi classical visual dance form based on the history and themes of [[Ramappa Temple]], sculpture and dance forms during the period of [[Kakatiya dynasty]]. She said the dance concept was based on her research on the Ramappa Temple, [[Thousand Pillar Temple]] and [[Warangal Fort]] in formatting the dance form.<ref name="telanganatoday1">{{Cite web |date=23 December 2021 |title=Kuchipudi dancer Padmaja Reddy is all set to perform at Shilpakala Vedika |url=https://telanganatoday.com/kuchipudi-dancer-padmaja-reddy-is-all-set-to-perform-at-shilpakala-vedika |access-date=18 November 2022 |website=[[Telangana Today]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="idream" /> According to her, it is based on ''Nritta Ratnavali'' – a book written by [[Jayapa Senani]], a military commander of the Kakatiyas, documenting the dance forms of 13th century.<ref name="eenadu" /><ref name="padmashri-citation" />

She performed the role of [[Rudrama Devi]], queen of the Kakatiya dynasty.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Paul |first1=Papri |last2=Palaparthi |first2=Srividya |date=7 February 2017 |title=Kakatiyam, a melange of ethnic dance forms long forgotten in telangana |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/kakatiyam-a-melange-of-ethnic-dance-forms-long-forgotten-in-telangana/articleshow/57000796.cms |access-date=21 November 2022 |website=[[The Times of India]] |language=en}}</ref> The first part of the dance was performed in February 2017 and the second part was presented in December 2021, both in [[Shilpakala Vedika]] in Hyderabad.<ref name="telanganatoday1" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=30 January 2017 |title='Kakatiyam' dance to be showcased |language=en-IN |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/%E2%80%98Kakatiyam%E2%80%99-dance-to-be-showcased/article17118319.ece |access-date=18 November 2022 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> According to Reddy, the split of the ballet in two parts was due to the vastness of the dance concepts documented in ''Nritta Ratnavali'' and only some of them were chosen due to "budget and feasibility".<ref name=":indulgeexpress">{{Cite web |last=Chakravorty |first=Reshmi |date=24 December 2021 |title=Kuchipudi exponent Dr G Padmaja Reddy has taken up the challenge to revive dance forms of the Kakatiya era |url=https://www.indulgexpress.com/culture/dance/2021/dec/24/kuchipudi-exponent-dr-g-padmaja-reddy-has-taken-up-the-challenge-to-revive-dance-forms-of-the-kakati-37960.html |access-date=18 November 2022 |website=[[Indulge Express]] |language=en}}</ref>

{{Quote box
| quote = "I am just sowing the seed, nurturing and letting it grow is everyone’s responsibility. I consider the hurdles as my stepping stones and nothing would stop me from taking this art form to the people of Telangana."
| source = Padmaja Reddy on her intentions about ''Kakatiyam''<ref name=":indulgeexpress" />
| width = 30%
}}

Reddy said she plans to further study the book and present the dance concepts in future performances, which were currently omitted in the two-part play.<ref name=":indulgeexpress" />

== Other work ==
Reddy worked as a member of National Tourism Advisory Council in 2012 and had been a member of the General Assembly of Indian Council of Cultural Relations.<ref name=":sakshi" />

== Awards ==
Reddy was conferred several honours and awards.<ref name=":sakshi" /> Prominent ones include the doctorate degree from [[Sri Krishnadevaraya University]] in 2005 and an honorary doctorate by [[Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam]] in 2022.<ref name=":abn" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 November 2022 |title=India's higher education second largest in world: Guv Harichandan |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2022/nov/12/indias-higher-education-second-largest-in-world-guvharichandan-2517540.html |access-date=18 November 2022 |website=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref> In 2006, she was awarded with [[Kala Ratna]] by the [[united Andhra Pradesh]] government.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 August 2006 |title=Hamsa awards are now Kalaratna |language=en-IN |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh//article58041585.ece |access-date=4 December 2022 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> She was awarded the [[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]], the highest award in arts in India,<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 July 2019 |title=Sangeet Natak Akademi Award to UoH professor |language=en-IN |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/sangeet-natak-akademi-award-to-uoh-professor/article28614913.ece |access-date=2 December 2022 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> for her contributions to Kuchipudi in 2015 and became the first dancer from [[Telangana]] to receive the award.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Joseph |first=Deepu |date=2 October 2016 |title=Meet Telangana's first Sangeeta Nataka Akademi award winner |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/meet-telanganas-first-sangeeta-nataka-akademi-award-winner/articleshow/54628848.cms |access-date=18 November 2022 |website=[[The Times of India]] |language=en}}</ref> Later in 2022, the [[Government of India]] conferred her with [[Padma Shri]], the country's fourth highest civilian award,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Khurana |first=Suanshu |date=28 April 2022 |title=Padma Shri awardee removed from govt accommodation as eviction starts |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/padma-shri-awardee-removed-from-govt-accommodation-as-eviction-starts-7890678/ |access-date=25 November 2022 |website=[[The Indian Express]] |language=en}}</ref> in the field of arts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 March 2022 |title=Padma Awards 2022: Meet awardees conferred in the field of art for their distinguished contribution |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/art-and-culture/padma-awards-2022-artists-singers-awardees-art-field-7842324/ |access-date=18 November 2022 |website=[[The Indian Express]] |language=en}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
Padmaja Reddy married Gaddam Srinivas Reddy in 1988,<ref name="namaste-telangana" /> who is a son of [[Gaddam Ganga Reddy]], former [[Member of Parliament (India)|Member of Parliament]] and [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|Member of the Legislative Assembly]]. They have a son, Pranav.<ref name="eenadu" /> She resides in [[Begumpet]], a neighbourhood in Hyderabad.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 January 2022 |title=Padma Shri Awardee Dr. Padmaja Reddy joins Green India Challenge |url=https://telanganatoday.com/padma-shri-awardee-dr-padmaja-reddy-joins-green-india-challenge |access-date=18 November 2022 |website=[[Telangana Today]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}

* {{Instagram}}

{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Art|state=collapsed}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gaddam, Padmaja Reddy}}
[[Category:1967 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Krishna district]]
[[Category:Artists from Hyderabad, India]]
[[Category:Musicians from Telangana]]
[[Category:Telugu people]]
[[Category:Kuchipudi dancers]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Kala Ratna]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian dancers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian dancers]]
[[Category:Indian female classical dancers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian women artists]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian women artists]]
[[Category:Dancers from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Dancers from Telangana]]
[[Category:Teachers of Indian classical dance]]
[[Category:Indian dance teachers]]

Gaddam Padmaja Reddy - Revision history

BlissKetoSupplement at 09:46, 11 April 2026